Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry announced on Thursday that Pakistan successfully intercepted and shot down 12 Indian drones that violated its airspace during the night of May 7 and 8. The drones targeted multiple urban centres, resulting in civilian casualties.
During a press conference, the military spokesperson stated that Indian drones entered airspace over several cities, including Lahore, Gujranwala, Chakwal, Rawalpindi, Attock, Bahawalpur, Mianwali, Chhor, and Karachi. “All drones were neutralized by Pakistan’s air defence systems, and recovery of debris is underway,” he said.
He confirmed that the drone strikes resulted in one civilian martyrdom and injuries to five others, including four soldiers in the Lahore Walton Road attack and one person in Miano, Sindh. The fatality also occurred in Miano.
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Lt Gen Chaudhry denounced the incursions as violations of international norms and threats to regional peace. “India is persistently sending drones into Pakistani territory, all of which have been intercepted. These attacks, along with the earlier airstrikes on May 6 and 7, which killed and injured innocent civilians including children, show a dangerous pattern of escalation,” he said.
He emphasized that Pakistan’s armed forces remain on high alert and are fully prepared to respond to any aggression. He called on the international community to hold India accountable for these provocative actions, warning that they pose a serious risk to South Asian stability. “Pakistan has shown restraint, but we are fully capable of defending our sovereignty,” he asserted.
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City-Wise Incidents:
Lahore:
On Thursday morning, residents of Gopal Nagar and Naseerabad near Walton Airport reported loud explosions and smoke plumes. According to police, a 5–6-foot-long Indian drone, operating from across the border, was shot down using jamming technology. It was reportedly conducting surveillance of sensitive areas and carrying explosives, nearing a key building before interception.
Gujranwala:
Two drones were brought down in Solkhanabad and the Tokaan area of Wahand before they could reach their intended targets. Local agencies recovered the wreckage for forensic analysis.
Ghotki (Khenjo Border Area):
A drone crash killed one civilian and injured another late at night. The deceased was near the crash site when the incident occurred. Authorities have secured the area and begun investigations.
Umerkot:
An Indian drone was intercepted near Sufi Akbar village, close to Chhor Cantt. It was reportedly on a surveillance mission targeting sensitive sites. PAF successfully shot it down before any damage occurred.
Sheikhupura:
Air defence forces destroyed another Indian drone near the village of Bahoman. It crashed in an open field, avoiding any casualties or property damage. Wreckage was collected for further investigation.
Karachi:
In Malir’s Sharafi Goth area, a drone was downed by air defence systems. It crashed onto a residential home, damaging property but causing no injuries.
Lt Gen Chaudhry reiterated that these repeated provocations by India must be condemned globally and that Pakistan reserves the right to defend itself robustly in the face of aggression.