Pakistan's security sources have claimed that three fighter jets and a drone belonging to the Indian Air Force were shot down amid rapidly intensifying hostilities between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.
A Rafale and an SU 30 fighter jet were downed on the Indian side of the border near Ahmedpur East in Bahawalpur, while a second Rafale was shot down southwest of Awantipora in the Pulwama district of India-held Kashmir, approximately 17 nautical miles from the location.
According to official sources, all Pakistani aircraft returned safely to base with no losses or damage reported.
Meanwhile, Indian media outlets, in a state of panic, continue to circulate baseless and fabricated claims about Pakistani aircraft being shot down—claims strongly denied by Pakistan’s defense officials.
The PAF reaffirmed its readiness and operational superiority, emphasizing its commitment to defending Pakistan’s airspace against any further aggression.
Pakistan downs Indian jets, offers cooperation on Pahalgam probe: Info minister
Information Minister Atta Tarar has stated that the country successfully downed two Indian fighter jets in a swift response to recent hostilities, asserting that Pakistan is not behind the Pulwama attack and remains committed to combating terrorism.
“In a very short span of time, we brought down enemy aircraft. Our hands are clean in the Pulwama incident,” said Tarar during a press briefing, adding that Pulwama lies nearly 200 kilometers from the Pakistan border. “Pakistan is actively fighting the war against terrorism.”
He further revealed that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had offered full cooperation to India in investigating the Pulwama attack. “Despite our offer, India launched strikes without any investigation,” Tarar said.
The information minister also criticized India's internal response to the Pulwama incident, noting that although an FIR was registered within 10 minutes, police arrived at the scene an hour later.
“India has received a befitting response to its aggression. We have shot down two of their jets,” Tarar confirmed.
The minister reiterated that Pakistan seeks peace in the region but will not compromise on national sovereignty or security.
Security forces: IAF Rafale Jet Shot Down by Pakistan Air Defence After Airspace Violation Near Bahawalpur
Security forces claimed Pakistan's Air Defence units successfully shot down an Indian Air Force (IAF) Rafale fighter jet in the early hours of Tuesday after it violated Pakistani airspace near the Bahawalpur region, according to official sources.
The incident occurred at approximately 12:40 AM, when radar systems detected the Indian aircraft making an unprovoked incursion into Pakistani territory. In response, Pakistani forces acted in accordance with standard protocols to intercept and neutralize the threat.
Debris from the downed jet has been recovered within Pakistani territory, and search and rescue teams have been dispatched to ascertain the status of the pilot.
“This is a blatant act of hostility and a grave violation of Pakistan’s airspace,” said an official statement, adding that Pakistan remains committed to peace but retains every right to defend its sovereignty. Authorities further stated that an appropriate response will follow on both diplomatic and strategic fronts.
Tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours have surged in recent days, raising regional and international concern.
Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
