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After India launched missile strikes in Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday, the National Security Advisers (NSAs) of both countries made direct contact. Pakistan’s NSA, Lt General Asim Malik, who also heads the ISI, reached out to Indian NSA Ajit Doval.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar stated, “Yes, Pakistan and Indian National Security Advisers are in touch,” but shared no further details. A Pakistani official said these backchannel talks help manage crises effectively.
Several countries worked urgently to de-escalate the situation. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who also serves as NSA, contacted both Pakistani and Indian NSAs soon after the strikes and the Pakistani response.
The National Security Committee warned that Pakistan would retaliate “at a place, time and manner of its choosing.” However, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in a National Assembly speech, hinted Pakistan may not respond further on the battlefield.
Sources said a third country had tipped off Pakistan about the Indian strikes. The same source also conveyed India’s message that it wanted to avoid escalation.
In 2019, India surprised Pakistan with airstrikes in Balakot after the Pulwama attack. Indian jets crossed the Line of Control for the first time since 1971. Pakistani leaders didn’t expect such a bold move from the Modi government. It took them a full day to decide how to respond.
Read more: Pak-India War: Like Cowards Do, India Launched Mid-Night Attack on Pakistan, Killing Civilians
This time, Pakistani forces were fully prepared. Officials said top leadership gave clear orders to strike back immediately if India attacked. When explosions occurred from Muzaffarabad to Bahawalpur, Pakistan confirmed the strike and launched a counterattack within an hour. The response came by both land and air.
DG ISPR Lt General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said Pakistan shot down five Indian fighter jets, including advanced Rafale jets from France. “Pakistan could have shot down 10 Indian fighter jets,” he stated during a press briefing. He added that Pakistan chose to show restraint.
Indian media avoided reporting on the losses. The Hindu initially confirmed three downed jets but later removed the story. A US commentator told CNN that losing Rafale jets would be a serious blow to India. India had been boasting about its air power since acquiring the French aircraft.
Experts noted that the incident tested both Chinese and Western military technology. Pakistan used J-10C fighter jets from China, bought after India added Rafales to its fleet.
A French intelligence officer confirmed to CNN that Pakistan had downed one Indian Rafale. This marked the first time a Rafale jet was lost in combat. The US commentator said this shows that China now possesses advanced military technology.
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