Information Minister Atta Tarar confirmed on Thursday that Pakistan’s retaliation to India’s missile strikes across the Line of Control (LoC) had resulted in the deaths of 40 to 50 Indian troops.
In a National Assembly speech, Tarar emphasized that the National Security Committee (NSC) had granted full authority to Pakistan’s armed forces to act at their discretion.
“Our forces are ready to deliver a strong and unforgettable response. The next move is ours, and it will come soon,”
Tarar declared.
He slammed India for its “cowardly” midnight strikes using Rafale jets, adding that India’s arrogance had been shattered. “India thought it was invincible, but now it has been humbled,” he said, stressing that Pakistan remains united and powerful in the face of such challenges.
Tarar praised the military for shooting down five Indian jets, including three Rafales, making history with the first-ever kill of the French-made aircraft. He also pointed out the failure of India’s high-tech weapons and the resulting shift in strategy.
“Despite India’s superior technology, resilient Pakistanis remain unyielding. Even Rafale’s manufacturers are questioning their product’s effectiveness,”
he said, noting that shares of Rafale’s manufacturer dropped 18%.
Pakistan’s air dominance was evident after downing a Su-30MKI and a MiG-29 Fulcrum, alongside the Rafales. A senior French intelligence official confirmed the loss of one Rafale fighter jet in combat.
Tarar ended by reassuring the nation that Pakistan’s defense is in safe hands, with the military fully prepared for any future threats. “The nation stands united with our armed forces against this aggression,” he affirmed.