After 2am war alert, Pakistan air force claims it forced Indian jets to ‘retreat in panic’

ISLAMABAD: An official 2 am warning in Pakistan about an impending Indian military offensive “within 24 to 36 hours” set the stage for an information blitzkrieg throughout Wednesday, including claims by state-run media that air force jets scrambled to force four IAF Rafale fighter jets to “retreat in panic” from near the LoC.
Some reports said two Indian surveillance quadcopters hovering over the LoC in Bhimber and Kotli sectors were shot down. Pakistan’s defence minister Khawaja Asif vowed a “decisive response” to any aggression from across the border.
Hours before PTV News reported that several IAF Rafales and Su-30MKIs were “spotted and chased” during reconnaissance along the LoC, information minister Attaullah Tarar put out a statement citing “credible intelligence” that India could strike at Pakistan any time.

“India’s refusal to allow neutral probes (into the terrorist attack on tourists in J&K’s Pahalgam) reveals its intent,” Tarar said, accusing Delhi of “escalating tensions”.
Islamabad denies its involvement in the attack, while India blames Pakistan-backed terrorists of targeting tourists after identifying them as Hindus. Delhi has also demanded an independent investigation.
Jailed former PM Imran Khan sent out a message through his party Tehreek-e-Insaf’s X account, “India must avoid reckless actions in this nuclear flashpoint. Peace is not weakness.”
Pakistani author and political scientist warned of “catastrophic risks” of going to war. “Domestic pressures are driving this dangerous escalation,” she said. “Media frenzy is sidelining restraint.”
Former Indian Army officer and strategist, Lt Gen D S Hooda (retd), said “missteps in this charged atmosphere could spark a conflict neither side can contain”.
US secretary of state Marco Rubio has already engaging with both nations, and UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric has urged “urgent dialogue”. But diplomacy faces hurdles as the drums of war grow louder.
PM Narendra Modi has already authorised “full operational freedom” for the forces. Pakistan, grappling with economic and political turmoil, is reinforcing its LoC positions. Many Pakistani diplomats are said to be quietly relocating families.