Islamabad (TDI): Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong Wednesday called on Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar and discussed the current situation following India’s overnight airstrikes on Pakistan.
Dar briefed the Chinese envoy on the ongoing situation following India’s unprovoked violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty and the tragic loss of innocent lives.
He highlighted Pakistan’s firm resolve to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity at all costs.
The two sides discussed the regional security developments and agreed to maintain close coordination and communication across all relevant areas.
Pakistan military downed 5 Indian fighter aircrafts and one combat drone in retaliation to unprovoked attack and airspace violations.
The jets shot down included three Rafale planes, one MiG-29, one SU-series aircraft, and an Israeli-made Heron combat drone. The jets were downed in multiple locations, including Jammu, Akhnoor, Srinagar, Bhatinda, and Avantipur.
Read More: China Steps In: Calls for Peace Between Pakistan, India
“The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) engaged these planes when they launched attacks inside Pakistani territory,” according to DG ISPR Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry.
“Their strikes were aimed at the territorial integrity of Pakistan and put civilian lives in danger,” he said in a media briefing.
He further said that while Pakistan’s military could strike more than 10 Indian aircrafts, it preferred to exercise restraint.
Read More: India Crossed the Line: Pakistan Vows to Hit Back
He said that armed forces retaliated to Indian aggression in a “measured and defensive” way, emphasizing that the response was carried out in self-defense and without violating Indian airspace.
