ISLAMABAD, May 07 (Alliance News): India carried out missile strikes in Pakistani Punjab and Azad Jammu & Kashmir on Wednesday, triggering a swift and robust response from Pakistan’s armed forces, who claimed to have downed five Indian Air Force (IAF) jets, a drone, and destroyed a brigade headquarters in retaliation.
Director-General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, confirmed that all Pakistan Air Force (PAF) jets returned safely after engaging Indian aircraft.
According to a military spokesperson quoted by Reuters, the Indian losses included three French-made Rafale jets, one Russian-origin Su-30MKI, and one MIG-29 Fulcrum.
The escalating military conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbours has drawn strong international reactions, with leaders and organizations calling for immediate de-escalation.
Trump: “It’s a shame”
US President Donald Trump described the rising tensions as “a shame” and expressed hope that the hostilities would “end very quickly.” Speaking at the White House, Trump acknowledged the long-standing conflict between India and Pakistan, stating, “They’ve been fighting for many, many decades and centuries, actually, if you really think about it.”
The US State Department, through spokesperson Tammy Bruce, urged both nations to work towards a “responsible resolution” to ensure long-term peace and regional stability in South Asia.
Rubio urges direct engagement
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who had earlier spoken to Pakistani and Indian officials, reiterated the need for both countries to “reopen a channel” of communication to prevent further escalation.
The White House confirmed that Rubio was working diplomatically to bring both sides to the negotiating table.
UN, China, and Russia call for restraint
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres voiced deep concern over India’s airstrikes inside Pakistan, calling for “maximum military restraint” and warning that the world “cannot afford a military confrontation between India and Pakistan.”
China also criticized India’s actions and called for both sides to put “peace and stability first.” In a statement, the Chinese foreign ministry expressed concern over the deteriorating situation and urged restraint.
Russia, which maintains good relations with both countries, echoed similar sentiments and appealed to both nations to act with caution to avoid full-scale war.
Turkey backs Pakistan
In a show of solidarity, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan phoned Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and condemned India’s unprovoked aggression. Both ministers agreed to remain in close contact as the situation unfolds, according to the Foreign Office in Islamabad.
India and Pakistan have fought three full-scale wars since their independence in 1947, and the latest hostilities have revived fears of a broader conflict unless urgent diplomatic efforts are made.
