ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Army on Tuesday shot down two Indian quadcopters that violated Pakistani airspace along the Line of Control (LoC), in what officials described as a clear breach of sovereignty and an act of aggression.
According to security sources, the first incident occurred in the Munawar Sector in Bhimber district of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, where an Indian unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), identified as a Phantom-4 quadcopter, was intercepted and neutralised after it attempted aerial surveillance within Pakistani territory.
Later the same day, a second Indian quadcopter was downed in the Satwal Sector in Poonch district of Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
In both instances, the Pakistan Army responded swiftly, preventing the devices from gathering any intelligence and neutralizing the threat.
“These repeated intrusions are irresponsible and escalatory in nature,” a security sources. “The Pakistan Army remains fully prepared to respond to any form of aggression with immediate and effective action.”
Defence experts said that such violations are deliberate provocations aimed at increasing tensions in the region.
“This incident is a testament to the professionalism, vigilance and operational readiness of the Pakistan Army,” said a defence expert. “India’s use of UAVs for spying activities is a clear attempt to destabilise the region.”
Pakistan’s armed forces are determined to uphold the country’s territorial integrity, security sources said. “The entire nation stands with the military and will deliver a fitting response to any threat,” a source said.
The development comes against the backdrop of heightened tensions between Pakistan and India following the Pahalgam attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) on 22 April, where gunmen killed 26 local tourists and injured 17 others.
Pahalgam crisis
Tensions escalated between Pakistan and India after the Pahalgam incident.
Soon after the incident, India immediately blamed Pakistan for the attack without presenting any credible evidence. Pakistan condemned the attack and strongly rejected the Indian government’s baseless accusations.
A day after the Pahalgam incident on 23 April, India’s Cabinet Committee on Security approved measures including the closure of the Wagah-Attari border crossing and the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty.
In response, Pakistan’s National Security Committee (NSC) met on 24 April and warned that any attempt by India to block water flows into Pakistan would be considered an act of war.
The Pakistan Foreign Office on Friday said India was in no position to make a unilateral decision on the Indus Waters Treaty which is of critical importance for Pakistan’s water security and economy.
Foreign Office Spokesperson, Shafqat Ali Khan at his weekly media briefing in Islamabad said the unlawful, unilateral, and irresponsible Indian announcement threatens the very foundations of the entire edifice of interstate cooperation and smooth implementation of the treaties.
Pakistan’s National Security Committee also announced to closure of the Wagah border crossing with India.
On April 25, the Senate of Pakistan unanimously passed a resolution, rejecting India’s allegations as baseless and politically motivated.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday said Islamabad was open to any “neutral and transparent” investigation into the Pahalgam attack. However, New Delhi has yet to respond to Pakistan’s offer.
“The recent tragedy in Pahalgam is yet another example of this perpetual blame game, which must come to a grinding halt,” PM Shehbaz said.
Pakistan has consistently maintained that it has no interest in escalating conflict but would defend itself if attacked.
Earlier on Monday, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif warned that the country was fully prepared to respond with “full force” if India initiated any military action.
Speaking to a private television channel, Asif said, “We want India’s lies on this issue to be exposed,” Asif said, adding that Pakistan had no desire for confrontation but would not hesitate to protect its sovereignty.
The situation deteriorated further when the Pakistani High Commission in London was vandalised by Indian miscreants on 26 April.
According to the Metropolitan Police, two persons were arrested in connection with the vandalism, which caused property damage including broken windows and paint attacks.
Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Information, Attaullah Tarar, condemned the incident, claiming that Indian state institutions were behind the vandalism.
International calls for restraint have grown. China urged both India and Pakistan to “exercise restraint” and “properly handle relevant differences through dialogue and consultation,” according to Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun.
Guo reaffirmed China’s support for a fair investigation into the Pahalgam attack and stressed the importance of peaceful coexistence for regional stability.
China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi, during a phone call with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, reiterated Beijing’s consistent support for Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts and its legitimate security concerns.
The United States has also urged caution. “This is an evolving situation and we are monitoring developments closely,” a State Department spokesperson said. “The United States encourages all parties to work together towards a responsible resolution.”
