Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has issued a stern warning that Pakistan’s tensions with India could intensify following what he described as an Indian airstrike on the Neelum-Jhelum hydropower project, calling the development “serious and alarming.”
Speaking to journalists outside Parliament House in Islamabad, Asif stated that Pakistan was left with no alternative but to respond. “When such provocations occur, retaliation becomes unavoidable,” he said, noting that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif would soon address both Parliament and the nation to provide clarity.
He emphasized that the armed forces had been granted full operational authority to deliver an appropriate military response. “The Pakistan Army was given the green light to act—and it responded decisively. Modi now stands empty-handed,” Asif remarked, warning that further Indian provocations could still be on the horizon.
Clarifying the nature of Pakistan’s response, Asif noted that only military targets were engaged. “Unlike India, which struck civilian areas under fabricated pretexts, we focused solely on military installations. India attacked six to seven sites across Pakistan—this is no gesture of restraint.”
The situation escalated after India reportedly launched nighttime airstrikes targeting civilian areas in Pakistan—an act widely denounced as a breach of international norms. In response, Pakistan’s military launched a strong counterattack, shooting down five Indian fighter jets, including three Rafale aircraft, and destroying a key brigade headquarters and several forward military positions.
Following the counter-offensive, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar stated early Wednesday that Indian forces had raised white flags at the Chura complex along the Line of Control (LoC), indicating surrender.
“Our forces inflicted significant losses across enemy positions at the LoC,” said Tarar. “Five fighter jets and a drone were neutralized, and multiple Indian posts were eliminated during the operation.”
Military officials have confirmed that retaliatory strikes by Pakistani forces are ongoing, with initial reports suggesting heavy Indian casualties and substantial damage to their installations.
