Pakistan downs 5 Indian fighter jets, destroys brigade HQs, several checkposts

Rawalpindi (Web Desk/Agencies): In a swift and forceful response, the Armed Forces of Pakistan downed five aircraft from the Indian Air Force (IAF), along with a combat drone, while also dismantling several strategic military positions, including a brigade headquarters and multiple checkpoints.

This retaliation followed missile attacks launched by New Delhi targeting cities in Punjab and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), intensifying the already fraught tensions between the two nations.

Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Lt General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said that at least 26 Pakistani civilians were martyred and 46 sustained injuries after Indian forces fired missiles at six different locations during the night between May 6 and 7.

The PAF, he said, could have shot down more than 10 aircraft but chose to show maturity and strategic restraint.

“Not a single Pakistani aircraft crossed into Indian airspace, and none of the Indian jets were allowed to enter ours.”

He also confirmed that all PAF assets, including fighter jets and installations, are fully safe and operational.

The DG ISPR said that Pakistan’s response was purely defensive and triggered only after Indian aircraft attempted to violate its airspace.

The national and international media were already scheduled to visit Muridke and Bahawalpur—areas he informed and said India had falsely accused of harboring terror infrastructure—further disproving its claims.

DG ISPR said that India had also targeted the Noseri Dam near the Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower Project, causing damage to critical infrastructure and endangering thousands of civilians.

“Targeting water reservoirs is not only illegal under international laws but also poses a humanitarian risk.”

He mentioned that when India was resorting to the cowardly and senseless aggression, several national and international flights were in Pakistan's airspace, thus putting the lives of thousands of civilians in grave danger.

Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said Pakistan is responding and will continue to respond to the Indian aggression.

He said we are a battle hardened army and we love to embrace martyrdom while defending the borders and the motherland. He said nobody can be allowed to attack the sovereignty and integrity of Pakistan.

The DG ISPR once again made it clear that Pakistan responded in self-defence.

He said Pakistan reserves the right and will respond to this aggression at a time, place and means of its own choice.