RAWALPINDI:Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and ISPR Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry addressed a joint media briefing on Thursday.
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar stated that Pakistan did not attack Indian Punjab, rejecting India’s claims as a fabricated story aimed at face-saving.
He said that the armed forces were fully alert and confronted 75 to 80 Indian aircraft, and successfully shot down five jets 36 hours ago.
“Pakistan is firmly committed to peace and regional harmony,” he added.
However, he condemned the malicious use of drones by India, noting that several Indian drones violated Pakistani airspace.
One of the Indian drones also attempted to target the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, apparently to disrupt the Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches.
“Pakistan remains peaceful, but reserves the right to respond to Indian aggression at a time and place of its choosing,” Dar maintained.
In an earlier press conference, the ISPR chief said Pakistan shot down 25 drones emanating from India in the last two days.
Sharing the update with the media, the ISPR said India continued its belligerence under false impression of Pakistan’s weakness.
He said Pakistan’s armed forces had proved equal to the task and shot down Indian drones within no time.
Earlier, there were reports that loud sounds of heavy gunfire and explosions were heard in the areas of Walton, Burki Road, and Defence in Lahore.
Security forces blared sirens which caused panic in the area, prompting residents to rush out of their homes.
According to security officials, rescue firefighting vehicles reached the scene.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) has closed Lahore and Sialkot airspace to commercial traffic once again amid rising security concerns following Pakistan-India tension.
A Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued late Wednesday confirmed the closure of seven major air corridors. According to sources, Lahore and Sialkot airspace will remain closed till 6pm on Thursday.
