In a dramatic escalation of regional tensions, Pakistan’s military announced on Thursday that it had intercepted and shot down 25 Israeli-manufactured Harop drones launched by India during a coordinated cross-border drone incursion overnight on May 7 and 8.
Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), addressed a press conference confirming that the drones were targeted in and around several major urban centres including Lahore, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Chakwal, Bahawalpur, Mianwali, Attock, Karachi, and Chhor.
“These drones violated Pakistani airspace in a planned assault, deliberately targeting civilian-populated areas. All were successfully intercepted and destroyed by Pakistan’s air defence systems,” stated the ISPR chief.
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The military confirmed one civilian martyrdom and five injuries, including four Pakistan Army soldiers in Lahore and one civilian in Miano, Sindh.
Lt Gen Chaudhry denounced the attacks as a “blatant violation of international law” and a direct threat to South Asian stability. “These actions are part of a dangerous pattern of escalation by India,” he said, adding that Indian airstrikes on May 6 and 7 also resulted in civilian deaths and injuries, including children.
Pakistan’s retaliatory actions, according to ISPR, destroyed five modern Indian aircraft and drones, which the DG ISPR described as “proof of India’s panic” following recent losses along the border, where several Indian posts were destroyed and a soldier killed.
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While emphasising Pakistan’s restraint and readiness, Lt Gen Chaudhry made it clear that the armed forces are on high alert and fully prepared to respond to any further provocations.
He concluded by urging the international community to condemn India’s airspace violations and growing reliance on drone warfare. “Such irresponsible behavior undermines peace efforts and must not go unchecked,” he warned.
