ISLAMABAD: Amid escalating tensions with India following the Pahalgam incident, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has launched a major high-intensity air warfare exercise, Zarb-e-Haideri, under the Southern Air Command.
The three-day joint tactical exercise involves a wide range of 4th and 5th generation platforms and focuses on full-spectrum, multi-domain operations supported by advanced command and control systems.
The primary objective of Zarb-e-Haideri is to enhance coordination and interoperability among different branches of Pakistan’s armed forces, ensuring a seamless and befitting response to any potential aggression.
This level of coordination is crucial in today’s complex security environment, where threats can emerge from multiple directions and require an immediate and effective response within the least possible timeframe.
#BREAKING: The Pakistan Air Force has begun Exercise Zarb-e-Haideri, a three day high-intensity air warfare drill under Southern Air Command, focusing on full multi domain operations with advanced command and control systems. pic.twitter.com/ZPnEiokHXp
— Defence Pakistan (@Defence_PK99) April 26, 2025
The exercise comes against the backdrop of heightened tensions between Pakistan and India after the Pahalgam incident in Indian-Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) on 22 April.
The attack, which resulted in the deaths of 26 people, was immediately blamed on Pakistan by Indian media without credible evidence. Pakistan has condemned the attack and strongly denied involvement.
Both countries have taken a series of retaliatory steps. India unilaterally suspended the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) on Tuesday, while Pakistan threatened to suspend the Simla Agreement. Pakistan also announced to close its airspace to Indian flights.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s position on Saturday, offering to participate in any “neutral, transparent and credible investigation” into the Pahalgam attack. He slammed India for a “pattern of exploitation, levelling baseless allegations and false accusations without credible investigation or verifiable evidence.”
