Pakistan says it used Chinese fighter jets to down Indian jets, including Rafale: Associated Press of Pakistan
Chinese J-10C jets participated in Pakistan's response, while Indian Rafale jets involved in the initial strike — were downed, possibly due to pilot error, says Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar
Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has said Chinese J-10C fighter jets were used to shoot down five Indian fighter jets along the border, including French-made Rafale jets, reports Pakistan's government-run media, Associated Press of Pakistan (APP).
During his speech at Pakistan's National Assembly late yesterday (7 May), Dar confirmed that China, a key ally, was promptly updated, with a delegation visiting Pakistan's Foreign Office at 4am after the incident.
Claiming that Pakistan had demonstrated restraint despite India's airstrikes and hostile actions, he said the country had received intelligence of a possible Indian attack at 10pm on Tuesday (6 May), prompting defensive measures.
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"There were instructions only to target Indian jets that released payloads," APP quoted him as saying.
"This is why only five jets were taken down. Had the directive been different, nearly 10-12 jets would have been struck."
Dar also said Pakistan has briefed over 40 countries on its stance and offered an impartial investigation into the Pahalgam attack, which India has blamed on Pakistan.
He said that while four Indian jets initially attempted to breach Pakistani airspace, they were intercepted. Later, aircraft striking from within Indian territory were targeted in retaliation.
"Any aircraft crossing into our airspace would be engaged," he added.
He said Pakistan formally notified the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) of India's violations, including 24 attacks on six locations, such as the Neelum-Jhelum hydropower project. A closed-door UNSC meeting was held, where Pakistan presented its case.
He noted that Chinese J-10C jets participated in Pakistan's response, while Indian Rafale jets involved in the initial strike were downed, possibly due to pilot error.
Pakistan's foreign minister reiterated that the Indus Waters Treaty cannot be revoked unilaterally, warning that any such attempt would be considered an act of war. Pakistan's National Security Committee had reinforced this stance in a 24 April meeting.
