Analysts and commentators have strongly criticized India’s recent military aggression against Pakistan, citing a lack of evidence and absence of global support for New Delhi’s claims regarding the Pahalgam attack. The situation has significantly intensified after India launched missile strikes on Pakistani cities in Punjab and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), prompting a powerful retaliatory response from Pakistan’s armed forces.
In response to the incursion, the Pakistan military reportedly shot down five Indian Air Force jets, including Rafale aircraft, neutralized a combat drone, destroyed a brigade headquarters, and targeted several Indian checkposts. Heavy exchange of fire continues along the Line of Control (LoC), with the Pakistan Army engaging Indian positions.
Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director-General Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry confirmed in a press briefing that all Pakistan Air Force jets remained unharmed while successfully countering Indian aircraft.
India’s offensive comes on the heels of its unsubstantiated accusations against Pakistan for the recent attack on tourists in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Despite repeated claims, India has failed to produce any credible evidence implicating Islamabad.
Former foreign minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri condemned the escalation, warning that conflict between two nuclear-armed states is reckless. “Only someone not in their right mind would consider war under these circumstances,” he said. He also criticized India’s current leadership for promoting extremist policies that have alienated not only Muslims but also other minority communities such as Christians, Sikhs, and Dalits.
Kasuri noted that the downing of Rafale fighter jets marked a significant setback for the Indian Air Force.
Commenting on India’s military preparedness, retired U.S. Air Force Colonel and CNN military analyst Cedric Leighton said Indian intelligence may have failed to adequately assess Pakistan’s capabilities. He highlighted potential lapses in predicting Pakistani air defense deployments and strategy.
In a rare development, some Indian media outlets acknowledged the loss of at least three aircraft, a significant shift from their usual stance. This admission has fueled speculation that India may have suffered even greater losses.
Prominent journalist Shahzeb Khanzada condemned India’s targeting of civilian areas, including women and children, while emphasizing the importance of restraint. He noted the muted tone of Indian media following Pakistan’s forceful response.
Political analyst Mehmal Sarfraz pointed out that India’s failure to provide evidence linking Pakistan to the Pahalgam incident led to a lack of international diplomatic support. Even traditional allies like the United States refrained from endorsing India’s narrative.
Sarfraz said India’s military strikes on major Pakistani cities constitute an act of war, while Pakistan’s swift retaliation appears to have tempered Indian media’s usual belligerence.
Senior journalist Shahzad Iqbal echoed similar views, stating that India’s inability to present concrete evidence has undermined its credibility. He referenced reports in major international outlets where diplomats questioned India’s narrative, noting that prior stories and assumptions were not enough to justify such aggression.
Iqbal emphasized the urgency of halting India’s border violations—either through robust military deterrence or by taking the matter to the United Nations.
Mazhar Abbas, another respected journalist, urged Pakistan to avoid being perceived as the aggressor despite the provocation. He stressed the importance of maintaining the moral high ground and highlighted the positive international image Pakistan has cultivated through measured responses.
However, Abbas warned that India may escalate further after the embarrassment it suffered globally.
