Tensions between Pakistan and India reached a dangerous new high as Pakistani security sources claimed the country\'s air defenses shot down five Indian Air Force fighter jet including Rafale near Ahmedpur East in Bahawalpur during the early hours of Wednesday.

The incident marks a dramatic escalation following a series of midnight airstrikes by India on multiple locations inside Pakistan, sparking fears of a broader conflict between the two nuclear-armed nations.

According to initial reports, the Indian aircraft was part of an offensive that targeted civilian areas across Bahawalpur, Kotli, Muridke, Bagh, and Muzaffarabad. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General, Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, confirmed in a televised statement that three Pakistani civilians were martyred, including a child, and 12 others were injured in what he described as a “cowardly and shameful attack” launched from Indian airspace. “All our fighter jets are airborne and monitoring the situation. India attacked from within its own airspace. They didn’t dare cross into our skies,” said Lt Gen Chaudhry in an interview with private TV channel at 1:06 AM.

He emphasized that the Indian strikes specifically hit religious and civilian infrastructure, including the Subhanullah Mosque in Ahmedpur East and a residential area nearby. “These attacks on mosques reflect the extremist Hindutva ideology being pushed by the RSS-influenced Indian leadership,” he added, referencing the far-right wing of Indian politics.

Retaliation Already Underway

Pakistan wasted no time in responding. State broadcaster PTV News confirmed via X (formerly Twitter) that retaliatory strikes had already begun. “Innocent Pakistani civilians, including women and children, were targeted. But Pakistan’s response is active—both on the ground and in the air,” the report stated.

Defense Minister Khawaja Asif, in back-to-back interviews on media outlets, labeled India’s actions as “cowardice cloaked in aggression.” “They hit civilian neighborhoods while hiding behind their borders. They lack the courage to face our military directly. Let them try crossing over—we are fully prepared to defend our homeland,” he asserted.

Asif emphasized that Pakistan\'s military strategy includes countermeasures for surgical strikes, air raids, naval attacks, and ground incursions. He also revealed that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had visited the ISI headquarters earlier in the day and was fully briefed on Pakistan’s preparedness.

International Media Invited for Verification

In a strong diplomatic gesture, Pakistan invited international media to independently verify the sites targeted by Indian strikes. “India claims to have hit terrorist camps. We say—come and see for yourselves. There are no such camps. These are residential areas, mosques, and schools,” said Defence Minister Asif.

Lt Gen Chaudhry added that a mosque in Kotli was also hit, and a missile landed on a road in Muzaffarabad—thankfully without causing injuries. “A family, including a child, is still trapped near a blast site in Ahmedpur and rescue efforts are underway,” he said.

Operation Sindoor: India\'s Version

India’s Defence Ministry confirmed the operation through an official statement, calling it “Operation Sindoor”. It claimed that the targets were terrorist infrastructure used for planning attacks on Indian soil, referring specifically to the recent April 22 Pahalgam attack that killed 26 people, mostly tourists.

India’s statement insisted the operation was “measured, precise, and non-escalatory,” and denied targeting Pakistani military installations. However, Pakistan has strongly rejected India\'s narrative, calling for a neutral international investigation into the Pahalgam incident. “India has provided zero evidence linking us to the attack. Their aggression is based on assumptions and political convenience,” said a Pakistani foreign office official.

Global Response: US Urges Restraint

The United States issued a fresh call for calm, urging both nations to avoid further escalation and work toward peace. “We are aware of the situation and remain in close contact with both governments. We urge both sides to maintain long-term regional stability,” said US State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce during a press briefing.

Meanwhile, civil defense authorities in Pakistan’s Rawalpindi have activated 14 emergency posts, while Indian states have begun mock drills in preparation for possible retaliatory actions.

What Lies Ahead?

As the region holds its breath, Pakistan continues to reinforce its military defenses along the Line of Control and international border. Both sides have initiated diplomatic backchannel communication, but the threat of a wider conflict looms large.

Khawaja Asif concluded with a grim reminder: “This is not 2019. We are prepared on all fronts. Every move of India is being watched closely. We will not wait—our response will be swift, strong, and unforgettable.”