Pakistan’s military has confirmed that the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) successfully shot down five Indian fighter jets, including three French-made Rafale aircraft, during recent hostilities. The announcement came during a high-level media briefing at GHQ Rawalpindi, where ISPR Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry presented evidence to support the claim and addressed growing regional tensions.
Lt Gen Chaudhry condemned India’s recent strikes on civilian areas in Pakistan, which resulted in numerous casualties, including women and children. He described the attacks as clear violations of international law and human rights, asserting that Pakistan would protect its sovereignty and national dignity under any circumstances. “This is the price we’ve paid—innocent lives lost to unjustified aggression,” he said.
He attributed India’s escalatory behavior to its frustration following the downing of advanced Rafale jets and warned that Pakistan’s restraint should not be mistaken for weakness. “Our response was professional, calculated, and effective. We seek peace but remain fully prepared to defend our nation.”
Addressing the fallout from the Pahalgam incident in Indian-occupied Kashmir, Lt Gen Chaudhry criticized India for making baseless accusations against Pakistan without credible evidence. He referenced Indian citizens, politicians, and military veterans who had publicly questioned their government’s narrative, suggesting the incident was being politicized for domestic gain. He showed video clips of Indian civilians and retired officers, including General KS Gill and former Governor Satya Pal Malik, allegedly raising doubts about the Indian Army’s conduct in Kashmir.
The ISPR chief also presented what he called concrete evidence of Indian involvement in terrorist activities within Pakistan, particularly in Balochistan. He accused India of supporting banned outfits such as the BLA and TTP and revealed that an Indian spy had recently been arrested in Jhelum with explosives and electronic devices, allegedly linked to a broader sabotage operation.
He further alleged that terrorist training camps are operating inside India under the guidance of Indian intelligence officials, with the aim of targeting public spaces in Pakistan. According to Lt Gen Chaudhry, India has even admitted to supporting anti-Pakistan militant groups, a claim Pakistan has raised repeatedly at international forums.
The ISPR spokesperson condemned what he described as growing religious intolerance and hate speech in India, particularly against Muslims and other minorities. He expressed concern over attacks on Sikh religious sites, including a recent incident in Nankana Sahib, and criticized Indian policies for promoting extremism and bigotry. He also highlighted India’s efforts to silence dissent by restricting access to social media platforms whenever government narratives are challenged.
He warned of India’s increasing use of technology for cross-border aggression, including t
he deployment of spy drones into Pakistani airspace. He confirmed that none of these drones had returned, as Pakistan’s air defenses remained on high alert. Additionally, he accused India of endangering civilian lives by interfering with commercial air traffic on the night of May 5–6.
Lt Gen Chaudhry concluded by reiterating that Pakistan is a responsible state committed to peace but will not tolerate any form of aggression. “We do not wish for conflict, but let there be no doubt—Pakistan will defend its sovereignty, dignity, and people with full force.”
