Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has declared that Pakistan’s response to Indian aggression is now a matter of hours, asserting that any retaliatory action will be unequivocal and visible to the entire world. “When we respond, the world will witness it,” he said, dismissing Indian claims with sharp criticism and reinforcing Pakistan’s military readiness.
In an interview on Samaa TV’s Red Line with Talat, the Defence Minister categorically rejected Indian allegations that Pakistan had attacked Jammu or lost an aircraft. “No Pakistani jet was shot down,” he said. “India, embarrassed by the destruction of its own aircraft, is resorting to falsehoods that defy logic.”
He pointed out that while New Delhi initially denied the loss of its jets, confirmation has now come from an unexpected source — the very company that manufactures ejection seats for Indian fighter aircraft. “The manufacturer has confirmed via its official website that four ejection seats were activated, putting an end to Indian denials,” Asif revealed.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to regional stability, Khawaja Asif said Islamabad has exercised restraint despite continued provocation. “We have taken every possible step to de-escalate tensions. War is not our objective — but neither are we unprepared,” he warned. “Our forces are fully equipped and ready to respond to any eventuality with precision and resolve.”
Dismissing Indian media reports that four Pakistani pilots were captured from a downed aircraft, Asif ridiculed the claim. “This isn’t a rickshaw that seats four,” he remarked sarcastically. “The statement is absurd and entirely detached from reality.”
He further emphasized that Pakistan has acted with responsibility and in accordance with international expectations, but cautioned that any misadventure from across the border will be met with a firm and effective response. “We will not initiate hostility, but if challenged, we will not hesitate to defend our sovereignty.”
Separately, two senior U.S. officials have confirmed to a leading British news agency that Pakistani fighter jets — manufactured in China — successfully downed two French-built Indian Air Force warplanes during a recent aerial engagement. The officials described the incident as a rare and instructive moment in modern air warfare, offering valuable insights into the capabilities of fighter pilots, combat aircraft, and air-to-air missile systems.
“The world’s air forces will study this engagement closely,” the report added, noting its significance for global military preparedness.
