Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday lauded the Pakistan Air Force’s performance in last week’s clash with India, announcing the downing of a sixth Indian aircraft near Pampore, east of Srinagar, on the night of May 6/7. Earlier, the government had said the PAF downed five Indian fighter jets.
In a visit to the PAF’s operational base in Kamra, Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to defend its sovereignty against any aggression. According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the premier met frontline personnel, including pilots, engineers, and technicians, and voiced “profound appreciation” for their precision, professionalism, and commitment to defense.
“In the wake of unprovoked aggression, Pakistan’s Armed Forces exhibited exemplary restraint, strategic foresight, and operational precision,” he said in an address to the gathered personnel. “Their swift and calibrated response not only neutralized the threat but also delivered a decisive blow to hostile military infrastructure—unequivocally reaffirming Pakistan’s unwavering resolve to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity,” he added.
During his address, the premier also lauded the capabilities of Army Chief Gen. Asim Munir. “The entire nation takes immense pride in the valor and vigilance of its armed forces. Under the capable stewardship of the Chief of Army Staff, our defenders have once again underscored that Pakistan’s security is inviolable, and any act of belligerence will be met with a forceful, resolute, and unforgiving response,” he said.
Sharif also praised the leadership of Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, commending his role in modernizing the PAF and integrating advanced technologies that have significantly enhanced its operational effectiveness. “To our fearless pilots and dedicated air personnel—your courage and precision embody the indomitable spirit of Pakistan’s armed forces,” said the prime minister. “You have stood resolute, upholding the sanctity of our skies and defending the sovereignty of our country with unwavering resolve,” he added.
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Defense Minister Khawaja Asif, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Chief of Army Staff Gen. Asim Munir, and Chief of Naval Staff Adm. Naveed Ashraf accompanied the P.M. on his visit.
Cyberattack
Separately, local media reported that security sources had confirmed a major cyber counter-offensive launched by the cyber wing of Pakistan’s armed forces against key infrastructure sectors across India. It said the cyberattack had inflicted significant disruptions across multiple Indian domains, including power infrastructure and petroleum systems.
According to reports, the Pakistani hackers severely damage Indian communications, disabling official government emails and OTP infrastructure, as well as damaging national communications. They said India’s surveillance system was also compromised, numerous Indian websites defaced, servers taken down. The Pakistan armed forces’ cyber wing also temporarily disabled systems, cutting electricity to approximately 80% of Indian consumers.
“More than 3,500 CCTV cameras installed in government buildings, hospitals, highways, and public zones were also reportedly hacked,” read the reports.