As tensions between two nuclear-armed neighbours threaten to spiral out of control, Pakistan has strongly rebutted India’s claims that Pakistani military had fired missiles at 15 locations within its territory, terming the allegations “false, baseless, and politically motivated.”
The accusations are part of a broader campaign by New Delhi to divert attention from internal challenges and military shortcomings, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and DG ISPR Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said at a joint news conference on Thursday evening.
Dar accused India of targeting its own citizens, particularly Sikhs, to craft a diversionary narrative following repeated military failures. He was referring to the downing of five Indian fighter jets, including three France-made Rafale, by Pakistan’s military in retaliation for India’s missile strikes on civilian targets in multiple Pakistani cities.
The foreign minister further said that an Israeli-manufactured drone was shot down over Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium which was sent by India in an apparent attempt to intimidate international players and disrupt normalcy in Pakistan.
“India’s claim that Pakistan attacked Amritsar is entirely fabricated,” Dar said, challenging India to present credible evidence to support its allegations. “When Pakistan chooses to respond, the world will see it – and hear it,” he added while reiterating Pakistan’s willingness to conduct an independent investigation into the Pahalgam deadly rampage.
Lt Gen Chaudhry stated that India had, in fact, launched four missiles that struck its own installations in Amritsar. “Their narrative of striking 15 Pakistani targets is pure fiction,” he said. He called on Indian officials to refrain from spreading misinformation in an era where facts can be easily verified.
The military spokesperson revealed that Pakistan had intercepted and neutralised 29 hostile drones sent by India. Only one incident resulted in injuries to four soldiers and minor damage to military assets, he said, adding that three Pakistani civilians were killed in Indian drone attacks.
Lt Gen Chaudhry assured the public that Pakistan remains vigilant against all threats and will continue to respond with both precision and restraint. “Our nation is united in faith and resolute in the defence of its sovereignty,” he said.
Meanwhile, security sources have rejected as “baseless and fabricated” the Indian reports of an attack on Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) by Pakistani forces.
They added that such fake news reports are being spread to create an impression that Pakistan is also carrying out attacks on India. “By disseminating these fabricated stories, India is seeking to justify its continued blatant aggression against Pakistan,” the sources added.
Separately, Pakistan has termed the Indian media claim of downing of F-16 and JF17 fighter “fake and concocted stories”.
“Absurd and false claims being made by India about shooting down an F16 and JF17 fighter jets. Fake and concocted stories will get you nowhere. Such false claims only reflect your desperation. Denied and rejected,” said Information Minister Ataullah Tarar on his X handle.