Pakistan denies attack on Indian Punjab, says response would be ‘loud and clear’

ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar condemned India’s “cowardly attack” on Pakistan, and firmly rejected Indian claims of civilian casualties in Indian Punjab, calling the allegations “baseless propaganda.”

Addressing a joint press conference alongside Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, Dar said “Pakistan has not targeted any civilians inside Indian Punjab. In fact, India itself fired a missile into its own territory.”

He said India had flagrantly violated Pakistan’s airspace, warning that Islamabad reserves the right to respond decisively.

The Pakistan Army had shot down several drones that crossed over from Indian territory, including one near the Rawalpindi Stadium, Dar added.

Dar asserted that Pakistan was fully committed to defending its sovereignty and the safety of its citizens. “India’s actions were an attack on Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Our armed forces responded with courage and professionalism, shooting down five Indian fighter jets.”

“India is struggling to digest the loss of its aircraft. Pakistan reserves the right to respond to any aggression at a time and place of its choosing.”

Pakistani retaliation “increasingly becoming certain now”: Khawaja Asif

On the occasion, DG ISPR Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said Pakistan is closely monitoring all Indian military activity along the border and is fully prepared to respond to any aggression.

He dismissed Indian claims of cross-border strikes as “fictional narratives straight out of a Bollywood film.” “The allegation of attacks at 15 locations inside India is utterly baseless.”

DG ISPR revealed that the Pakistan Army had downed 29 Israeli-made drones that violated Pakistani airspace, with forensic analysis currently underway.

He displayed the wreckage of the downed drones during the live transmission. “Three civilians were martyred, and four soldiers were injured in India’s cowardly drone attacks.”

Rejecting India’s claim of a Pakistani strike in Amritsar, DG ISPR said, “It was India’s own missile that hit their installation in Amritsar. Pakistan had no involvement.”

He stressed that every Indian movement is under digital surveillance. “With modern technology, we monitor every intrusion. If Pakistan responds, it will not only be seen but heard loud and clear,” he warned.

DG ISPR criticised Indian media for running “propaganda based on lies and staged visuals,” adding, “If you’re going to put on a drama, at least light a proper fire under those props.”

He also warned India to “must stop hiding its failures behind lies. This is real life, not a movie set”.

“Two days ago, you entered our airspace at will. But then your planes were brought down. Now you ask how?” he said, challenging India’s narrative.

He assured the nation that Pakistan would decide the time and place to strike back. “Pakistan is not a nation that fears. Our people stand shoulder to shoulder with the armed forces. Truth has always prevailed and will continue to prevail.”