KAMRA: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urged Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to prefer dialogue over confrontation to resolve the lingering issues of Kashmir and terrorism.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday visited Kamra Air Base to meet with the valiant officers of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), who played a key role in the recent successful national defence operation. The PM lauded the PAF’s decisive role in repelling Indian aggression and confirmed the downing of a sixth Indian warplane during the recent conflict. Flanked by key cabinet members, including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, the prime minister was received by Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu and accompanied by Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir.
Addressing the “Falcons” of the Pakistan Air Force, Shehbaz Sharif declared the aerial triumph one of Pakistan’s most glorious military victories. “In less than 10 hours, the Falcons of PAF raised the flag of Pakistan in the skies and shattered the myth of Indian military superiority. They shot down not five, but six Indian fighter jets, including three Rafales,” he confirmed, referring to the night of May 6-7 when tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours escalated sharply. The destroyed aircraft reportedly include three Rafale jets, one Sukhoi Su-30, one Mig-29, and one Mirage 2000. The PM also confirmed that Pakistani forces had neutralised 85 Indian drones, including an Israeli-made Heron UAV. Praising the professionalism and restraint displayed by Pakistan’s armed forces in the face of unprovoked aggression, Shehbaz Sharif said, “While the enemy targeted our children, mothers, and youth, our forces fought with remarkable patience, risking their lives. But when the time came, they delivered a clear, proportional, and unforgettable response.”
He expressed confidence in Pakistan’s defence capabilities, stating, “Under the leadership of Army Chief General Asim Munir and Air Chief Zaheer Babar Sidhu, our security is invincible. I congratulate Army Chief General Asim Munir for leading from the front. I also congratulate the air chief and the naval chief.” Despite celebrating the military success, the PM extended an olive branch to India, urging dialogue over confrontation. “Come, let’s talk and see who is a terrorist and who has become a victim of terrorism,” he said, calling for regional talks to address long-standing issues, including Kashmir.
Read also: Indian Congress President accuses Modi of having prior knowledge of Pahalgam incident
