Former Pakistan cricket captain Shahid Afridi openly criticised Indian media for how they report on military conflicts. On X (formerly Twitter), he wrote, “Indian media reminds me of Cartoon Network. They are loud, animated and never take their facts seriously.” He posted this after reports claimed Indian strikes killed several Pakistani civilians, including women and children.
Afridi’s sarcastic tone reflected the frustration many Pakistanis feel toward Indian news coverage. Many social media users in Pakistan supported his comments, accusing Indian media of spreading false war narratives and increasing tension.
Deadly Attack in IIOJK Raises Tensions
On April 22, a bombing in Pahalgam, Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), killed 26 people. India blamed Pakistan-based groups for the attack but provided no evidence. Pakistan rejected the claim.
India Responds with Closures and Suspensions
Following the attack, India closed the Wagah border on April 23, suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, and canceled visas for Pakistani citizens. In response, Pakistan also shut the border and warned that any disruption to water flow would count as “an act of war.”
Read more: Shahid Afridi Urges Mohsin Naqvi to Step Down from One Role
Explosions and Retaliatory Strikes Shake Pakistani Cities
On Wednesday, explosions hit multiple cities in Pakistan, including Muzaffarabad, Kotli, Muridke, and Bahawalpur. Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, the Pakistani military spokesperson, confirmed Indian airstrikes in those areas. Pakistan quickly hit back with its own air and ground operations.
Pakistani forces shot down five Indian fighter jets, including four Rafales, within the first hour of their response. “Pakistan might have brought down 10 Indian fighter aircraft,” Lt Gen Chaudhry said in a press conference. “But Pakistan exercised restraint.”
Media’s Silence on Indian Losses
Indian media did not report much on the situation. The Hindu, one of India’s top newspapers, initially published a report saying three jets were shot down, but later removed it. CNN reported that the loss of Rafales could hurt India’s air strength.
Experts said the conflict acted as a trial for both Western and Chinese military tech. Pakistan deployed Chinese-made J-10C jets, considered a direct counter to India’s French Rafales.
Officials Confirm Drone and Jet Losses
A senior French intelligence official told CNN that Pakistan had indeed downed one Rafale jet. Pakistan’s military also claimed it destroyed 25 Israeli-made Harop drones used by India. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), they used both electronic jamming and direct fire to bring down the drones.
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