Pakistan’s military announced on Wednesday that it successfully shot down five Indian fighter jets after New Delhi carried out a “blatant act of war” against Pakistani territory.

The Indian airstrikes targeted six locations in Pakistani territory, including civilian areas in Pakistani-administered Kashmir, killing at least 26 civilians and wounding 46, according to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

The strikes, condemned by Pakistan as unprovoked attacks on non-military targets, mark the most intense confrontation between the nuclear-armed neighbors in over 20 years. ISPR spokesperson Major General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry stated, “India’s raid on our towns and villages is a clear violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty. Our air defenses engaged decisively, and our forces remain on high alert to defend every inch of Pakistani soil.”

In Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistani Kashmir, local officials reported heavy Indian shelling and airstrikes that struck residential neighborhoods. A hillside mosque’s minaret collapsed, and in Forward Kahuta district, mortars killed two men and injured several women and children. Indian sources, however, claimed only three of their jets were downed within Indian-administered Kashmir, asserting their strikes targeted “terrorist infrastructure” linked to the April 22 Pahalgam attack, which killed 26 Hindu tourists. Pakistan has denied any involvement in that incident.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, addressing the nation, emphasized Pakistan’s defensive stance: “We have the sovereign right—and duty—to protect our people against aggression. We remain committed to peace but will not tolerate attacks on our citizens or soil.” Pakistan has appealed to the UN Security Council to condemn India’s actions and urged the international community to demand an immediate cessation of hostilities. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar called for dialogue, stating, “Recognize Pakistan’s restraint and press India to return to diplomacy rather than resort to war.”

India's "Operation Sindoor" triggered significant regional repercussions, leading to airspace closures that disrupted commercial flights, with IndiGo, Air India, and Qatar Airways all suspending their services. In response to the escalating situation, Pakistan's Punjab province declared a state of emergency, placing hospitals on high alert. Interestingly, despite the unfolding crisis and heightened tensions, Pakistan's stock market demonstrated stability, suggesting a degree of confidence in the nation's military response.

The clash follows decades of rivalry over Kashmir, with the two nations having fought three wars since 1947. The last major air skirmish occurred in 2019. Analysts warn that without urgent de-escalation, the conflict risks spiraling into a broader regional crisis.

Pakistan’s military reaffirmed its commitment to national defense, while Sharif expressed openness to “meaningful dialogue” if India halts its attacks and withdraws forces. The international community now faces mounting pressure to intervene and prevent further escalation between the two nuclear powers. (ILKHA)