Pakistan Defence Minister Reveals Claim of Downing Indian Jets Based on Social Media Posts

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has admitted that the country's claim of shooting down five Indian jets, including Rafale fighters, during India's 'Operation Sindoor' is based on "social media posts". In an interview with CNN, Asif was questioned about the evidence supporting the claim, to which he responded that it was all based on Indian social media and not on concrete evidence.

Asif's statement comes amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following the Indian military strike that targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK). The strikes were in retaliation to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam.

India's Press Information Bureau (PIB) fact-checking unit countered Pakistan's claims, citing an old image of a crashed aircraft being circulated to support the downing of a Rafale jet. The PIB stated that the image was from an earlier incident involving an IAF MiG-21 fighter jet that crashed in Moga district in Punjab in 2021.

In the same interview, Asif warned that India's action could widen hostilities and expressed concerns about the possibility of a full-fledged war. However, he also stated that Pakistan is trying to avoid a broader conflict. Earlier, Asif had mentioned that Pakistan is open to reducing tensions if India steps back.

 Meanwhile, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lauded 'Operation Sindoor', stating that it was executed with "precision, precaution, and compassion". He said the armed forces had scripted "history" in neutralizing the terror threat. The situation between India and Pakistan remains tense, with both countries exercising caution and restraint. The international community is closely watching developments, and diplomatic efforts may be crucial in preventing further escalation.