ISLAMABAD: Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated on Wednesday after reports emerged that Indian fighter jets patrolling over occupied Kashmir were compelled to retreat following the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) scrambling its own aircraft, according to state media.
Four Rafale jets from the Indian Air Force (IAF) were detected “patrolling overnight” in the region without breaching the Line of Control, as reported by state-run PTV News and Radio Pakistan, citing security sources.
“PAF jets quickly identified the presence of these Indian warplanes,” Radio Pakistan stated.
This incident follows a warning from Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, who claimed that “credible intelligence” suggested India was preparing for military action against Pakistan within the “next 24 to 36 hours.”
In a statement broadcast shortly after 2am, Tarar remarked: “Pakistan has reliable intelligence indicating that India plans to execute military operations against Pakistan in the next 24-36 hours based on unfounded and fabricated allegations regarding the Pahalgam incident.
“Thanks to the swift actions of the PAF, the Indian Rafale jets were startled and forced to retreat,” PTV News reported. Security sources confirmed that the armed forces were “fully prepared and alert to respond decisively to any aggression from India.”
Details regarding the incident have yet to be disclosed by the government and military.
The situation has become increasingly tense following India's unsubstantiated accusations against Pakistan concerning the Pahalgam attack, which Pakistan's leadership has categorically denied. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called for an impartial investigation into the matter.
The attack on April 22 resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals, primarily tourists, marking one of the most lethal assaults in the disputed Himalayan territory since 2000. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack thus far.
Just a day prior, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif stated that Pakistan had bolstered its military presence and was prepared for any potential incursion by India, while Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has granted his military “operational freedom” in response to the Pahalgam attack.
Information Minister Tarar firmly rejected India’s “self-assumed hubristic role of judge, jury, and executioner in the region,” labeling it as entirely “reckless.”
“Pakistan has itself been a victim of terrorism and understands the pain it inflicts,” the minister stated, emphasizing that Pakistan has consistently condemned terrorism in all its forms globally.
As a responsible nation, Tarar highlighted that Pakistan has “openly offered a credible, transparent, and independent investigation” by a neutral panel of experts to uncover the truth.
“Regrettably, instead of opting for reason, India seems to have chosen a perilous path of irrationality and confrontation, which could lead to disastrous consequences for the entire region and beyond,” he warned.
The information minister asserted that “the avoidance of credible investigations is in itself sufficient evidence revealing India’s true intentions.”
“Deliberately allowing strategic decisions to be influenced by public sentiment, which is often exaggerated for political gain, is both unfortunate and lamentable,” he added.
Deputy PM Ishaq Dar stated that while Pakistan will not initiate an attack on India, it reserves the right to respond if provoked. He informed the Senate that intelligence reports indicate India is considering some form of escalation.