Islamabad, April 30, 2025: Tensions between Pakistan and India escalated further on Wednesday as Indian Air Force (IAF) Rafale jets conducting patrols over Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir reportedly retreated after the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) scrambled its fighter aircraft, according to state media reports.
Radio Pakistan, citing security sources, reported that four Rafale jets were detected conducting “overnight patrols” without crossing the Line of Control (LoC). In response, PAF jets were scrambled, prompting the Indian aircraft to retreat. “PAF jets promptly detected the presence of these Indian warplanes,” Radio Pakistan stated. “As a result of PAF’s diligent action, the Indian Rafale jets panicked and were forced to flee,” it added.
The incident comes amid growing regional instability following the April 22 attack in Pahalgam, which killed 26 people, mostly tourists. While India has blamed cross-border elements for the attack, Pakistan has firmly denied any involvement, calling for a neutral, international investigation.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s call for a “credible, transparent and independent probe” into the Pahalgam incident. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said in a late-night televised address that Pakistan has “credible intelligence” suggesting India may initiate military action within the next 24 to 36 hours. “Pakistan vehemently rejects India’s self-assumed hubristic role of judge, jury, and executioner,” Tarar said.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said the country’s forces had been reinforced and were “fully prepared” to respond to any incursion. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, speaking in the Senate, stated that while Pakistan would not initiate hostilities, it reserved the right to retaliate in self-defence.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Army shot down two Indian quadcopters that allegedly violated Pakistani airspace in Bhimber and Poonch sectors of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). Both drones were reportedly conducting aerial surveillance along the LoC when intercepted.
State run television PTV reported that the Pakistan Army responded forcefully to “unprovoked” Indian firing in AJK’s Kayani and Mandal sectors overnight. Several Indian posts were reportedly destroyed, including Chakpatra post, according to state media.
The heightened tensions have already triggered market anxiety. The Pakistan Stock Exchange’s benchmark KSE-100 index plunged more than 3,500 points in intraday trading on Wednesday, amid fears of military escalation.
Pakistan has warned the international community of the risks of regional instability. “Any military adventurism by India will be responded to assuredly and decisively,” Tarar said, urging global powers to hold India accountable for any escalation.
