Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi stated on Sunday that Pakistan possesses video evidence of six Indian aircraft being shot down during a brief military conflict between the two countries in May.
The confrontation began after India accused Pakistan of involvement in the Pahalgam attack, an allegation Islamabad firmly rejected. During the conflict, Pakistan claimed to have downed six Indian jets, including French-made Rafale fighters. While India’s top military official admitted to some losses, he denied that six aircraft were lost.
Speaking at a seminar in Lahore, Naqvi said he was closely involved in matters related to the conflict and had access to key information. He highlighted the significant role played by Pakistan’s intelligence agencies, noting that they had advanced knowledge of India’s plans and aircraft movements.
Naqvi explained that Pakistan waited to announce the downing of the planes until video confirmation was obtained, which was received within minutes of the incident. He also described two incidents where Indian missiles targeted a Pakistani base, but none struck the intended facility.
He added that Pakistan’s retaliatory strikes were aimed at military targets near populated areas, with efforts made to avoid civilian casualties. One of India’s major oil depots was destroyed in these strikes, according to Naqvi.
The minister mentioned that Nur Khan Airbase near Rawalpindi was hit by Indian missiles but sustained no damage, while another base suffered a casualty.
The conflict escalated on the night of May 6-7, when Indian airstrikes killed at least 40 civilians in Pakistan. Both countries exchanged missile fire over the following week until a ceasefire was brokered by the United States.
In July, U.S. President Donald Trump commented that five jets were shot down during the conflict, without specifying which side’s aircraft were involved.
Pakistan Air Force spokesperson Air Vice Marshal Aurangzeb Ahmed described the PAF’s response as bold and resolute. Chinese air force chief Lieutenant General Wang Gang also praised the performance of Pakistani pilots during the confrontation.