India attacks from 3 sides; Pakistan shoots down ‘2 Indian jets, strikes brigade HQ’ in retaliation for attacks on 5 cities

ISLAMABAD (Web Desk) — Pakistan on Wednesday confirmed it had shot down two Indian Air Force (IAF) jets in retaliatory strikes, following a series of Indian missile attacks that targeted civilian areas in Punjab and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), killing at least three civilians and injuring 12 others.

According to the private TV channel, the Indian strikes came in the wake of a deadly assault in Pahalgam, located in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), which killed 26 tourists. India has accused Pakistan of orchestrating the attack—a charge Pakistan has strongly denied, offering instead to support an independent investigation.

Director-General Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry confirmed that the Pakistan Armed Forces are delivering a “strong and decisive response” to what he described as an act of unprovoked aggression. He said Pakistani forces had struck key Indian military positions, including the destruction of a brigade headquarters and a forward post in the Dhundial sector along the Line of Control (LoC).

“Pakistan’s armed forces are giving a befitting response to Indian aggression,” Lt Gen Chaudhry stated. “This cowardly attack, carried out from within Indian airspace using standoff weapons, targeted innocent civilians and will not go unanswered.”

Explosions were reported in multiple Pakistani cities, including Muzaffarabad, Kotli, Muridke, Bahawalpur, and Bagh shortly after midnight. The blasts triggered power outages in some areas, with Muzaffarabad plunged into darkness.

The Pakistan Army also reported shooting down an Indian drone over the Barnala sector, and released footage of the wreckage as evidence of India’s surveillance activity.

Speaking to international media, Federal Information Minister Atta Tarar condemned India’s targeting of civilian populations, calling it a blatant breach of international law.

“India has provided no credible evidence linking Pakistan to the Pahalgam attack,” said Tarar. “Its unilateral aggression only undermines regional stability and peace.”

The Foreign Office (FO) echoed similar concerns, accusing India of violating Pakistan’s sovereignty by striking civilian targets across the international border and LoC. FO Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan termed the Indian actions as a “blatant act of war” and a threat to regional air safety and civilian lives.

“This unprovoked attack has martyred women and children,” he stated. “Pakistan reserves the right to respond in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter and international law.”

The FO further warned that India’s aggressive posture has dangerously escalated tensions between two nuclear-armed neighbors, bringing the region to the brink of a major conflict.

“The government, armed forces, and people of Pakistan remain united and resolute. Any violation of our sovereignty will be met with full force,” the statement concluded.