Amid high tensions with India, a disillusioned Pakistan claims it forced IAF Rafales to 'retreat' but provides no evidence
A wave of alarm swept through Pakistan after a 2am war alert on Wednesday warned of a possible Indian military strike within 24 to 36 hours, triggering a series of dramatic claims from Islamabad — including an assertion that its air force jets forced Indian fighter aircraft to 'retreat in panic' near the Line of Control (LoC). However, no evidence has been provided to support this claim.
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A report aired by state-sponsored PTV News claimed that several IAF Rafales and Su-30MKIs were 'spotted and chased' during what it described as reconnaissance activity near the LoC. The claim, however, was not backed by visuals, flight data, or any official statement from the Indian side.
Some reports also claimed that two
Indian surveillance quadcopters
were shot down in the Bhimber and Kotli sectors, however, no proof was presented.
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Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said there would be a 'decisive response' to any aggression from across the border.
Pak claims 'credible intelligence' of possible strike by India
The country's Information Minister Attaullah Tarar stated that 'credible intelligence' suggested India could launch a strike 'at any time', citing India's rejection of neutral probes into the
Pahalgam terror attack
. 'India's refusal to allow neutral probes (into the terrorist attack on tourists in J&K's Pahalgam) reveals its intent,' Tarar said, accusing Delhi of 'escalating tensions'.
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Islamabad has denied any involvement in the Pahalgam attack. India, meanwhile, has blamed Pakistan-backed terrorists for targeting tourists and has called for an independent investigation.
From prison, former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, through his party Tehreek-e-Insaf's X account, issued a warning: 'India must avoid reckless actions in this nuclear flashpoint. Peace is not weakness.'
Pakistani author and political scientist Ayesha Jalal cautioned against the media-driven escalation, saying: 'Domestic pressures are driving this dangerous escalation. Media frenzy is sidelining restraint.'
Retired Indian Army officer Lt Gen D S Hooda also warned: 'Missteps in this charged atmosphere could spark a conflict neither side can contain.'
As regional and global concern mounts, the United Nations spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric called for 'urgent dialogue,' while US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has initiated contact with both sides.
Meanwhile, on Thursday, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar revealed that he had spoken to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio about the strike, reiterating New Delhi's demand for accountability.
The conversation between the two leaders came amid heightened tensions with Pakistan, which India has accused of supporting the assailants.
While Islamabad has denied involvement, the Indian government has maintained that the attack bore clear links to
cross-border terrorism
. Jaishankar reinforced that India would not tolerate such acts and would pursue justice for the victims.
Rubio, for his part, described the attack as 'horrific' and expressed condolences for the victims.
India stands firm in the face of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism
India has mounted a firm and multifaceted response to the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians—most of them tourists—on April 22.
In response to the attack, India has launched a range of diplomatic and military measures. The government has placed the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan in abeyance, closed the Integrated Check Post at Attari, and curtailed the strength of Pakistan's High Commission in New Delhi. These steps signal India's intent to escalate pressure diplomatically while preparing for further defensive measures.
On the military front, Indian forces were granted full operational freedom to respond. That freedom has already been exercised amid rising ceasefire violations from Pakistan. On the night of April 30 to May 1, Pakistani troops opened fire across the LoC in Kupwara, Uri, and Akhnoor sectors, marking the seventh consecutive night of cross-border shelling. The Indian Army retaliated proportionately, maintaining pressure along sensitive points of the border.
Earlier, on April 26–27, Indian troops had responded to small-arms fire in Tutmari Gali and Rampur sectors, reflecting the persistence of ceasefire violations. Meanwhile, security forces in Kashmir have intensified anti-terror operations, aiming to neutralize any residual threats and prevent further attacks.
The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), which convened following the Pahalgam massacre, noted the suspected cross-border links to the attack and observed that it came after a stretch of relatively peaceful elections in Jammu and Kashmir—a period many believed signaled progress in the region.
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