Pakistan Shoots Down Five Indian Fighter Jets in Retaliation to Cross-Border Strikes, Says Defence Minister
In a significant escalation of regional tensions, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif announced that the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has shot down five Indian fighter jets following what he described as “cowardly” and unprovoked attacks by India.
Speaking to U.S. media outlet Bloomberg, Minister Asif stated that Pakistan has successfully responded to Indian aggression and gained the upper hand in the recent exchange. “The Pakistan Air Force gave a strong and effective response to India’s aggression by downing five of their aircraft,” he said.
The announcement comes after Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR), Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, revealed in a press conference that India carried out 24 separate air strikes on six locations inside Pakistan. These attacks resulted in the deaths of eight Pakistani civilians and injuries to at least 35 others. Among the dead were five innocent civilians, including a young girl, in Ahmadpur East.
General Chaudhry condemned the Indian action as a clear act of unprovoked aggression and reiterated Pakistan’s right to self-defence. “India’s cowardly night-time attacks were met with decisive retaliation,” he added.
The situation remains tense as both nations maintain high alert on their borders. International observers have urged restraint and dialogue to prevent further escalation.
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