Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid a visit to Kamra Air Base on Thursday, where he met with the brave personnel of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) who were instrumental in a recent successful national defense operation.
During his address, the Prime Minister commended the PAF for their critical role in thwarting Indian hostilities and confirmed that a sixth Indian fighter jet had been downed amid the latest escalation.
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The premier was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, as well as key federal ministers including Khawaja Asif, Ahsan Iqbal, and Attaullah Tarar. Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu were also present, alongside other senior military and civilian figures.
Welcomed by Air Chief Marshal Sidhu and joined by General Asim Munir, Shehbaz Sharif stood alongside his core team—Deputy PM Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, and Information Minister Atta Tarar—as he acknowledged the PAF’s achievements.
‘PAF Shattered Enemy’s Pride’
In a heartfelt address to the “Falcons” of the air force, PM Sharif hailed their aerial victory as one of Pakistan’s most remarkable military accomplishments.
He recounted that within just ten hours, the PAF had asserted Pakistan’s dominance in the skies and shattered the myth of Indian air superiority. He revealed that six Indian jets had been downed, including three Rafales, during the intense events of the night between May 6 and 7.
According to official sources, the destroyed Indian aircraft included three Rafales, one Sukhoi Su-30, one MiG-29, and a Mirage 2000. Additionally, the PM noted that Pakistani forces had taken down 85 Indian drones, including Israeli-manufactured Heron UAVs.
‘Restraint and Readiness’
He lauded the armed forces for their disciplined and professional conduct, despite India’s unprovoked aggression. “While our adversary targeted innocent civilians, our forces responded with commendable patience and courage. But when the moment demanded action, they responded decisively and proportionately,” he emphasized.
The premier reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong defense posture under the command of Army Chief General Asim Munir and Air Chief Marshal Sidhu. He extended congratulations to the heads of all three armed forces, expressing unwavering confidence in their leadership.
‘Dialogue is Strength, Not Surrender’
While celebrating the military’s success, the Prime Minister extended a call for peace to India, urging diplomatic engagement over conflict.
“Let’s sit at the table and find out who has been spreading terror and who has suffered because of it,” he stated, urging regional dialogue to address persistent issues—most notably, the Kashmir conflict.
Sharif reiterated that the Kashmir issue remains a flashpoint and called for the international community to recognize the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination.
‘Falcons Changed the Regional Game’
Praising the PAF’s role in redefining the region’s strategic dynamics, the PM said, “Our Falcons have stunned the world, humbled the enemy, and strengthened the confidence of our allies. This triumph will be recorded in history, and our heroes’ names will be etched in golden letters.”
He also honored the families of martyrs, pledging continued state support. “We will cherish and honor their sacrifices until the end of time,” he concluded.
