Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday visited Kamra Air Base to meet with the valiant officers of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), who played a key role in the recent successful national defence operation.
The PM lauded the PAF's decisive role in repelling Indian aggression and confirmed the downing of a sixth Indian warplane during the recent conflict.
Accompanying the prime minister were Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, along with senior federal ministers including Khawaja Asif, Ahsan Iqbal, and Atta Tarar. Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu were also present during the visit, along with other senior civil and military officials.
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Flanked by key cabinet members including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Defense Minister Khawaja Asif, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, the prime minister was received by Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu and accompanied by Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir.
'PAF crushed enemy arrogance'
Addressing the "Falcons" of the Pakistan Air Force, Shehbaz Sharif declared the aerial triumph one of the most glorious military victories in Pakistan’s history.
"In less than 10 hours, the Falcons of PAF raised the flag of Pakistan in the skies and shattered the myth of Indian military superiority. They shot down not five, but six Indian fighter jets, including three Rafales,” he confirmed, referring to the night of May 6-7 when tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours escalated sharply.
The destroyed aircraft reportedly include three Rafale jets, one Sukhoi Su-30, one MiG-29, and one Mirage 2000. The PM also confirmed that Pakistani forces had neutralized 85 Indian drones, including an Israeli-made Heron UAV.
'Unshakable resolve, unmatched restraint'
Praising the professionalism and restraint displayed by Pakistan’s armed forces in the face of unprovoked aggression, Shehbaz Sharif said, “While the enemy targeted our children, mothers, and youth, our forces fought with remarkable patience, risking their lives. But when the time came, they delivered a clear, proportional, and unforgettable response.”
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He expressed confidence in Pakistan’s defense capabilities, stating, “Under the leadership of Army Chief General Asim Munir and Air Chief Zaheer Babar Sidhu, our security is invincible. I congratulate army chief General Asim Munir for leading from the front. I also congratulate the air chief and the naval chief."
Call for peace, not weakness
Despite celebrating the military success, the PM extended an olive branch to India, urging dialogue over confrontation.
“Come, let’s talk and see who is a terrorist and who has become a victim of terrorism,” he said, calling for regional talks to address long-standing issues including Kashmir.
He reiterated that the Kashmir dispute remains unresolved and warned that it could reignite tensions at any moment. “The Kashmiri freedom movement is alive and will remain alive until justice is served and the people are granted their right to self-determination.”
'Falcons changed the region’s destiny'
The prime minister hailed the role of the air force in shifting the regional balance. “The Falcons have amazed the world, crushed the pride of the enemy, and raised the trust of our friends to the skies. History will remember this victory and the names of our heroes in golden words,” he said.
He also saluted the families of martyrs and pledged full state support. “We will never forget the sacrifices of our soldiers until the Day of Judgment,” he vowed.
