China Refutes Claims of Jet Involvement in India-Pakistan Conflict

May 8, 2025: Tensions between India and Pakistan continue to rise sharply following India’s Operation Sindoor, a precision military strike targeting nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Just a day after the strike, Pakistan’s military claimed that Indian drones attacked major cities including Lahore, Karachi, and other strategic areas.

Also Read: Why India Struck Pakistan’s Air Defence Systems: Centre Explains Post-Operation Sindoor Action

As a result of these alleged drone strikes, Karachi airport was shut until 6 PM, while air operations in Islamabad and Lahore were briefly suspended, according to Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority.

India Responds to Cross-Border Aggression

India’s Ministry of Defence confirmed in a statement that Pakistan had attempted to hit military installations in several Indian cities on May 7, including Awantipura, Srinagar, Jammu, Pathankot, Amritsar, and Chandigarh. Indian air defense systems reportedly neutralized all threats, and debris is being recovered to prove Pakistan’s direct involvement.

The missile strikes under Operation Sindoor were launched between 1:04 AM and 1:30 AM on May 7 in direct retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 civilians, most of them tourists. Following the strikes, Pakistan’s army began heavy artillery and mortar shelling across the Line of Control (LoC), resulting in the deaths of 12 civilians and one Indian soldier, according to Indian officials.

Political Fallout and Warnings

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned India’s military actions, declaring them an “act of war” and stating that Pakistan has the right to respond with force. However, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif indicated a willingness to de-escalate, saying Pakistan is “ready to wrap up tensions” if India makes the first move.

What’s Next?

With both countries on high alert, the situation remains volatile. The international community has begun urging restraint, fearing that continued military exchanges could spiral into a broader conflict between the two nuclear-armed powers.