Pakistan Army spokesman Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said no Indian pilot was in the custody of Pakistan and all such reports were based on ‘fake social media reports’.
In a significant development amid Operation Sindoor, Pakistan Army late on Sunday night admitted that at least one of its aircraft suffered “damage” in the military confrontation with India, without giving more information about the jet.
India and Pakistan on Saturday reached an understanding to stop all firings and military actions on land, air and sea, with immediate effect.
Addressing a press conference along with officials of the air force and navy, Pakistan Army spokesman Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said the purpose of the briefing was to apprise about the conduct and conclusion of “Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos”.
Pakistan aircraft suffered damage during conflict with India
Chaudhry said that “only one aircraft” of Pakistan suffered “minor damage”, without providing details about the aircraft.
No Indian pilot in custody of Pakistan
Responding to a question, he said no Indian pilot was in the custody of Pakistan, and all such reports were based on “fake social media reports”.
He claimed that the military’s response has been “precise, proportionate and still remarkably restrained”.
The claim from Pakistan comes after the Indian Air Forces on Sunday confirmed that they downed Pakistani jets in the latest conflict with Pakistan.
Air Marshal AK Bharti says Pakistani drones were shot down
Addressing the special press briefing on Operation Sindoor, Air Marshal AK Bharti underscored that Pakistani drones were shot down while they were also prevented from entering the Indian airspace. He said, “Their planes were prevented from entering our border. We have downed a few planes. There are losses on their side that we have inflicted.”
Air Marshal AK Bharti said all Indian pilots are safe and returned home safely. “We are in a combat scenario, and losses are part of combat. However, we have achieved all our objectives, and all our pilots are back home,” said the Air Marshal AK Bharti.
In addition to eliminating over 100 terrorists, the Indian strikes destroyed 11 air bases inside Pakistan and inflicted significant damage on their military capabilities. The air, land and sea operations were carried out with calibrated restraint, with an emphasis on minimising civilian casualties.
Air Marshal AK Bharti on Sunday emphasised the country’s military capabilities, stating that India has the ability to target every system at Pakistan’s bases.
This statement comes amid heightened tensions between the two nations, following India’s recent military operation, Operation Sindoor, which targeted terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
India’s military operation involved precision strikes on nine sites identified as terrorist infrastructure, including militant camps in Muzaffarabad, Kotli, and Bahawalpur.
Addressing a press briefing, Air Marshal Bharti said, “We have the capability to target every system at these (Pak) bases and more. However, it was only a measured response to instil good wisdom to our adversary to refrain from further escalation. IAF’s response was directed only at military installations, avoiding civilians and collateral damage.”
Bharti revealed that Pakistan launched a massive drone attack on Indian cities, including Srinagar and Naliya, on the night of May 8-9, starting at 22:30 hours. According to Bharti, Indian air defense forces were prepared and successfully countered the drone attacks, preventing any damage to intended targets.
“A decision was taken to strike where it would hurt and towards that in a swift, coordinated, calibrated attack, we stuck its Air bases, command centers, military infrastructure, air defence systems across the entire Western Front. The bases we stuck includes Chaklala, Rafiq, Rahim Yar Khan, sending a clear message that aggression will not be tolerated. This was followed by strikes at Sargodha, Bhulari, and Jacobabad.”
Pakistan launched its own military operation, Operation Bunyanun Marsoos, targeting several key bases in India. Reports suggest that around 300-400 drones were used in the attack, targeting 36 Indian locations, including military bases and religious sites.
The drones were reportedly of Turkish origin, specifically Asisguard Songar drones. India responded with precision strikes on Pakistani air defence sites, including military installations and surveillance radar sites in Lahore and Gujranwala.