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India-Pakistan air strikes Latest updates: DG ISPR Major General Asif Ghafoor said on Twitter, “There is only one pilot under Pakistan Army’s custody. Wing Comd Abhi Nandan is being treated as per norms of military ethics.” (sic) After 21 political parties of the Opposition held a meeting, they released a joint statement which said, “The leaders expressed concern on the emerging security situation. Post the statement from the MEA regarding targeting of our military installations and loss of one fighter aircraft, the leaders condemned the Pakistani misadventure and expressed their deep concern for the safety of our missing pilot.” After Pakistan claimed that it has an IAF pilot in their custody, the demand to bring back the missing pilot grew on social media. National Conference leader Omar Abdullah said, “Pakistan, please treat him as you would have us treat one of your men in uniform should he be unfortunate enough to be captured on this side of the border.” Prime Minister Narendra Modi is holding a review meeting with NSA Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale, defence and intel officials. IAF and navy chief are also present at the Prime Minister’s Office. Imran Khan, in his address to the nation, raised several important issues. “All wars in world history have been miscalculated, those who started the wars did not know where it will end. So, I want to ask India, with the weapons you and we have, can we afford miscalculation,” he said. “We had offered India full cooperation for investigation after Pulwama attack. We understand you are pained by Pulwama tragedy. We do not support Pakistan’s soil be used for terrorism but we were bound to retaliate and take action,” said Imran. “We offered peace to India after what happened in Pulwama. I understand the pain of the families (who lost family members in Pulwama). I have visited hospitals and seen the pain of people affected by violence,” Imran further added. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar is addressing a press conference, says Pakistan has targeted military installations on Indian side. “One Pakistani aircraft was shot down. We have lost one fighter jet. One pilot has been missing. Pakistan has claimed they have arrested him. However, we are still ascertaining the fact,” he adds. Pakistan claims to have a pilot “identified as Wing Commander Abhinandan” and has circulated a video of a blindfolded man in jumpsuit being questioned but Firstpost has not been able to establish the veracity of Pakistan’s claim. India has not yet responded to Pakistan’s claim. Flight operations temporarily suspended at Shimla, Bhuntar and Gagal airports in Himachal Pradesh. Prime Minister Imran Khan is set to address Pakistan shortly. Meanwhile, nine airports, including the ones in Srinagar and Jammu, were closed on Wednesday for civilian air traffic amid escalating tension with Pakistan, officials said. Airports at Srinagar, Jammu, Leh, Pathankot, Amritsar, Shimla, Kangra, Kullu Manali, Pithoragarh were among those closed, they said. Major General Asif Ghafoor, spokesperson of the Pakistani army, said Indian jets had entered Pakistan in response and two fighter jets had been shot down, with two pilots captured**.** Pakistan claims to have a pilot “identified as Wing Commander Abhinandan” and has circulated a video of a blindfolded man in jumpsuit being questioned but Firstpost has not been able to establish the veracity of Pakistan’s claim. India has not yet responded to Pakistan’s claim. DG ISPR Major General Asif Ghafoor addressing the media on Wednesday cautioned India media against war mongering. “Pakistan media should continue objective reporting. We do not want war and we will never initiate war from our side. But if India forces us, we will not keep quiet.” Ghafoor said that Pakistan violating Indian airspace on Wednesday was just an act of self-defence. “We only targeted those spots where we were sure we won’t harm any civilians.” “We do not want war. We want to take a path that leads to peace,” Ghafoor said at a televised press conference. The media briefing by the DG Inter-Services Public Relations was held after several reports claimed that Pakistani Air Force’s F-16 were shot down in Indian retaliatory firing. “There was no F-16 to be shot down,” claimed Ghafoor and blamed India for war mongering. “Only humanity loses in a war. This was an act of self-defence and the inbuilt message was that Pakistan did not want to hurt any civilian. The target for the attack was crucial. We wanted to prove that we have the capability of defending ourselves.” There are no reports of any IAF jet suffering damage in action by “India’s adversaries”, defence sources told PTI on Wednesday even as confusion prevailed over border standoff between India and Pakistan. Earlier in the day, Pakistan claimed it shot down two Indian military aircraft over Pakistani airspace and arrested at least one of the pilots. Due to air space restrictions, flights UK611 (Delhi-Sringar-Jammu), UK612 (Jammu-Srinagar-Delhi), UK735 (Mumbai-Amritsar), UK736 (Amritsar-Mumbai), UK976 (Delhi-Amritsar) and UK707 (Amritsar-Delhi) stand cancelled for today, tweeted Vistara Airlines. Flight Radar took note of the current airspace and compared it with the same time a month ago and the difference is quite shocking. International flights that transit between Indian and Pakistani airspace now being affected. Some flights returning to origin, while others appear to be seeking alternate routing. Pakistan has stopped its domestic and international flight operations to and from Lahore, Multan, Faislabad, Sialkot and Islamabad Airports. India has already temporarily shut Jammu, Srinagar, Leh and Amritsar airports. Reports have also said that International flights that transit between Indian and Pakistani airspace now being affected. Some flights returning to origin, while others appear to be seeking alternate routing. Pakistan Air Force’s F-16 jet that violated Indian air space was shot down in Indian retaliatory fire 3 kilometres within Pakistan territory in Lam valley, in Nowshera sector. A parachute was spotted going down, but the condition of the pilot is not known. “In response to PAF strikes this morning as released by MoFA, IAF crossed LOC. PAF shot down two Indian aircrafts inside Pakistani airspace. One of the aircraft fell inside AJ&K (Pakistan-occupied Kashmir) while other fell inside IOK (the state of Jammu and Kashmir). One Indian pilot arrested by troops on ground while two in the area,” said Pakistan Army spokesperson Major General Asif Ghafoor. Budgam police has arrived at the site where an IAF jet crashed. The city SSP said that two bodies, of the pilot and co-pilot, have been recovered and the IAF’s technical team is yet to arrive. The team will ascertain the cause of the crash. Authorities have suspended civilian air traffic to and fro Srinagar airport due to security reasons. The airports in Leh, Jammu, Srinagar and Pathankot have also been put on high alert. Reports have said that in retaliation to India’s yesterday’s airstrike, Pakistani jets have violated the Indian airspace on Wednesday. Jets were sighted in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch and Rajouri sectors and they have reportedly dropped bombs on vacant areas. In aftermath of the Indian Air Force strikes on Jaish-e-Mohammed installations across the border, the hostilities between India and Pakistan seems to have escalated. Pakistani troops Wednesday intensely shelled Indian posts in Uri Sector of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said. The shelling comes a day after the IAF carried out air strikes on Jaish-e-Mohammad terror camps inside the neighbouring country. Pakistani Army fired mortar shells towards Indian posts in the arly hours of Wednesday, a police official said. He said there were no reports of any casualties so far. The official said the Indian Army retaliated to the Pakistani action in an equal measure. The exchange of fire across the LoC in Uri sector was going in when reports last came in, he added. Meanwhile, an air space violation was reported in Rajouri sector as well, as unconfirmed reports said a Pakistani chopper sighted in Indian air space. With inputs from PTI
India-Pakistan air strikes updates: Abhinandan the only pilot in custody, says Pakistan military after claims of capturing two
India-Pakistan air strikes LIVE updates: DG ISPR Major General Asif Ghafoor said on Twitter, “There is only one pilot under Pakistan Army’s custody. Wing Comd Abhi Nandan is being treated as per norms of military ethics.”
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47 flights cancelled at IGI airport in Delhi
NDTV reported that a total of 47 flights — 25 departures and 22 arrivals — have been cancelled at Delhi airport on Wednesday.
Indigo offers compliamentary tickets to jawans on leaves
Indigo offers complimentary tickets with no cancellation fees to Indian soldiers on leaves who have been asked to resume their duties by the Indian Armed Forces.
India objects to Pakistan’s ‘vulgar display’ of injured IAF personnel
In MEA’s press release on India summoning acting high commissioner of Pakistan, it said that India strongly objected to Pakistan’s “vulgar display of an injured personnel of the Indian Air Force in violation of all norms of International Humanitarian Law and the Geneva Convention”. “It was made clear that Pakistan would be well advised to ensure that no harm comes to the Indian defence personnel in its custody. India also expects his immediate and safe return,” it said.
“Regret was expressed at continuing denial by Pakistan’s political and military leadership at the presence of terrorist infrastructure in territories under its control. A dossier was handed over to Pakistan side with specific details of JeM complicity in Pulwama terror attack and the presence of JeM terror camps and its leadership in Pakistan,” the statement said.
UK calls for restraint on both sides to avoid further escalation
UK foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt said in a Twitter message that UK is “deeply concerned” about the rising tensions between India and Pakistan. “We urgently call for restraint on both sides to avoid further escalation,” he said.
Pakistan demarched on ‘act of aggression’ against India, says MEA
In a press release, the Ministry of External Affairs said that the acting high commissioner of Pakistan was summoned on Wednesday afternoon by the ministry to lodge a strong protest at unprovoked act of aggression by Pakistan against India earlier on Wednesday, including violation of the Indian air space by Pakistan Air Force and targeting of Indian military posts.
“It was made clear that Pakistan would be well advised to ensure that no harm comes to the Indian defence personnel in its custody. India also expects his immediate and safe return,” the release said.
Only one pilot under Pakistan Army’s custody, says Pakistan military
DG ISPR Major General Asif Ghafoor said on Twitter, “There is only one pilot under Pakistan Army’s custody. Wing Comd Abhi Nandan is being treated as per norms of military ethics.” (sic)
Earlier in the day, Ghafoor had said that Pakistan had captured two Indian pilots, one of whom was injured and receiving treatment in hospital.
Pak closes airspace: Jet Airways wants DGCA to relax crew timing curbs
Jet Airways has sought relaxation in flight duty and rest-hour norms from the regulator DGCA due to the closure of the Pakistani airspace and subsequent
rerouting of the west-bound flights amid escalation of tension between the two nations.
The dispensation has been sought as these west-bound flights, which were earlier using the Pakistani airspace, will now have to be operated over the sea, entailing higher flying time than the regular routes, a source said.
“Due to the escalation of tension along the Western border, the Pakistani airspace has been closed. In view of this, we have to reroute flights South of Pakistan FIR (flight information region) leading to increase in flight and flight duty times,” Jet Airways vice-president for operations Floyd Gracious said in a communication to the airline pilots.
PTI
India lodges protest with Pakistan’s deputy high commissioner
India on Wednesday summoned Pakistan’s Deputy High Commissioner Syed Haider Shah in New Delhi to lodge a strong protest over Pakistan Air Force’s bid to attack Indian military installations.
According to External Affairs Ministry sources, the Pakistani deputy envoy also told Indian officials about capturing of an Indian pilot by Pakistani authorities.
In Islamabad, Pakistan’s foreign office also summoned India’s acting high commissioner Gaurav Ahluwalia and condemned what it called “unprovoked ceasefire violations” by the Indian forces along the Line of Control resulting in killing of four civilians.
PTI
Russia calls on India and Pakistan for restraint in connection with the border incident
According to the press secretary of Russian president Dmitry Peskov, Moscow is following the development of events.
Russia is concerned about the aggravation of relations between India and Pakistan and calls on both sides to show restraint — this was stated to journalists by the press secretary, commenting on the military incident in the region.
According to him, Moscow is following developments. “We are extremely concerned about the news coming in, we are very closely monitoring the situation and, of course, we urge all parties to show restraint,” said a Kremlin spokesman.
Omar Abdullah says he skipped Opposition meeting ‘in light of developments’
National Conference leader Omar Abdullah said that he “had requested the Opposition to postpone the meeting in light of the developments, especially after the news of our pilot being in Pakistani custody but they felt otherwise”. “I chose not to attend as a result,” he wrote on Twitter.
Rahul Gandhi hopes for missing pilot’s return
“I’m sorry to hear that one of our brave IAF pilots is missing. I hope he will return home soon, unharmed. We stand by our armed forces in these difficult times,” Congress president Rahul Gandhi said in a tweet.
21 Opposition parties issue joint statement issued after meeting
In a joint statement, the Opposition said, “The meeting of 21 parties expressed their deep anguish over the blatant politicisation of the sacrifices made by our armed forces by leaders of the ruling party. National security must transcend narrow political considerations. The leaders observed that the prime minister has, regrettably, not convened an all party meeting as per the established practice in our democracy.
“The leaders expressed concern on the emerging security situation. Post the statement from the MEA regarding targeting of our military installations and loss of one fighter aircraft, the leaders condemned the Pakistani misadventure and expressed their deep concern for the safety of our missing pilot.”
Farooq Abdullah calls for de-escalation of India-Pakistan tensions
National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Wednesday called for de-escalation of India-Pakistan tensions and urged both countries to maintain maximum restraint for the greater good of humanity.
“A war apparently seems a little word of few letters but its effects are always harmful. It brings destruction which cannot be compensated for many years. No peaceful mind wants war. I urge the peace-loving people in both countries to come forth and help de-escalate the situation. I am pretty sure that a number of people who want peace far exceed the hawkish people numerically, it is the right time for the doves to come forward.” Abdullah said while addressing people from south Kashmir at party headquarters in Srinagar.
“It is the people of Jammu and Kashmir, especially those living on both sides of the LoC or international border who have to face the brunt of skirmishes between the two countries. Let the war belong to the tragic past in history. It should find no place in our agenda. Let me remind the two nations that war is a plague that will have far-reaching consequences on the growth and development of the two nations, besides that it will make the lives of people living on both sides of the border no less a scourge.”
“It is in the interest of our region if both the countries shun war rhetoric. I also urge both the countries to shun violence for the greater good of people living in both countries especially for the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” he added.
Opposition condemns Pakistan’s misadventures
After 21 political parties of the Opposition held a meeting, Congress president Rahul Gandhi addressed the media. “The leaders expressed concerned. Post the MEA statement, the leaders condemned the Pakistani misadventures and expressed deep concern for safety of our missing pilot. The leaders urged the government to take the nation into confidence on all measures to protect India’s sovereignty, unity & integrity.” he said,
Dubai airports says no flights to and from Pakistan until further notice
Dubai airports said on Wednesday there would be no flights to and from Pakistan until further notice as a result of the closure of Pakistani airspace.
Pakistan deputy high commissioner arrives at South Block
Pakistan deputy high commissioner Syed Haider Shah arrived at South Block after being summoned by Ministry of External Affairs. The Ministry of External Affairs is largely located in South Block.
Commercial operations resume at Amritsar airport
The airports in Chandigarh, Pathankot, Halwara, Adampur and Bathinda are on high alert in view of heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, while Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport in Amritsar resumed commercial operations. “The arrival and departure of all civil flights from Amritsar international airport, which was suspended earlier, has began,” Amritsar airport director Manoj Chansoria was quoted as saying by News18.
Pakistan deputy high commissioner summoned by India’s Ministry of External Affairs
ANI reported that India’s Ministry of External Affairs has summoned Pakistan deputy high commissioner Syed Haider Shah.
India stands by missing IAF pilot; #BringBackAbhinandan trends on Twitter
After Pakistan claimed that it has an IAF pilot in their custody, the demand to bring back the missing pilot grew on social media. #Abhinandan, #SayNoToWar, and #BringBackAbhinandan are currently the top three trends in India on Twitter. India is yet to name the missing pilot.
National Conference leader Omar Abdullah said, “Pakistan, please treat him as you would have us treat one of your men in uniform should he be unfortunate enough to be captured on this side of the border.” Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav, and AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi, too, expressed their concerns for the Indian pilot who was “missing in action”.
‘Appropriate, precise message conveyed to India’: Pakistan president
On Twitter, Pakistan’s President Arif Alvi said,“Very appropriate, precise and compassionate message conveyed to India by Prime Minister Imran Khan.”
Rooftops of hospitals in Kashmir being painted with red-cross sign
In view of the escalating tensions with Pakistan, rooftops of all hospitals in Kashmir are being painted with red-cross sign.
Modi holds review meeting
NSA Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale, are present at a review meeting, along with defence and intel officials. IAF and navy chief are also present at the Narendra Modi’s office.
France issues travel advisory to its citizens against travel to Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistan
“We invite compatriots who are currently in Kashmir to report to the embassy,” said a tweet by Ambassador of France to India Alexandre Ziegler.
Watch: Wasn’t our plan to cause any collateral damage, says Imran
“It was our plan to not cause any collateral damage, and not to cause any casualties. We simply wanted to show capability,” said Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan.
Ajit Doval briefs Narendra Modi about developments
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval has taken charge of the situation, and is briefing Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the latest developments.
India made the first move, so Pakistan had to react
Imran Khan, in his address to the nation, said that he had made an offer to India after Pulwama for investigation. Imran says that despite the offer India took action. Hence, Pakistan had to react. the Pakistan prime minister said. Imran also mentioned that since elections were to happen in India, some action would be taken by India.
I know you are pained by Pulwama, but lets talk, says Imran Khan
Imran Khan, in his address to the nation, raised several important issues. “We had offered India full cooperation for investigation after Pulwama attack. We understand you are pained by Pulwama tragedy. We do not support Pakistan’s soil be used for terrorism but we were bound to retaliate and take action,” says Imran.
“We offered peace to India after what happened in Pulwama. I understand the pain of the families (who lost family members in Pulwama). I have visited hospitals and seen the pain of people affected by violence,” Imran further added.
“But, all wars have been miscalculated. I urge Narendra Modi to sit across the table and talk to us.” Imran referred to nuclear weapons available to both India and Pakistan and said, “Can we afford to miscalculate the situation with the kind of weapons we have.”
Pakistan confirms it had nothing to do with the Mi-17 crash in Budgam
Rejecting claims of Pakistan hand in the crash of the Indian aircraft in Budgam, DG ISPR, Pakistan, Major General Asif Ghafoor said, “There are reports of crash of an Indian aircraft on the Indian side (in Budgam), we had no engagement with that aircraft.”
Imran Khan to address Pakistan shortly
Will India take up the case of IAF pilot through diplomatic channels or via UN: MEA says Pakistan hasn’t officially confirmed anything
When asked whether India will take up the case of IAF pilot through diplomatic channels or via United Nations, MEA has said Pakistan still has not formally informed India about the detention of the pilot which it claims to have in its custody.
FULL STATEMENT OF MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
The Ministry of External Affairs has confirmed that an Indian pilot is missing in action after a Mig-21 Bison fighter plane was lost while engaging with Pakistani jets after they violated Indian airspace. Pakistan military has, however, claimed to have captured two Indian pilots, saying one of them was in hospital. MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar added that Pakistani planes targeted military establishments in Jammu and Kashmir, but were forced to retreat by alert Indian forces. “Pakistan claims he is in their custody. We are ascertaining the facts,” Kumar said.
India had informed about Counter Terrorism (CT) action it took yesterday against a training camp of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) in Pakistan based on credible evidence that JeM intended to launch more attacks. Against this Counter Terrorism Action, Pakistan has responded this morning by using its Air Force to target military installations on the Indian side. Due to our high state of readiness and alertness, Pakistan’s attempts were foiled successfully. The Pakistan Air Force was detected and the Indian Air Force responded instantly. In that aerial engagement, one Pakistan Air Force fighter aircraft was shot down by a MiG 21 Bison of the Indian Air Force. The Pakistani aircraft was seen by ground forces falling from the sky on the Pakistan side. In this engagement, we have unfortunately lost one MiG 21. The pilot is missing in action. Pakistan has claimed that he is in their custody. We are ascertaining the facts.
India confirms air-to-air engagement with Pakistan
Ministry of External Affairs confirmed on Wednesday that there was an air-to-air engagement between India and Pakistan. MEA spokesman Raveesh Kumar said, “One Pakistan Air Force fighter aircraft was shot down by Indian MiG 21 Bison. In this engagement, we lost one MiG 21. Pilot is missing in action. Pakistan has claimed he is in their custody, we are still ascertaining the facts.”
The briefing was attended by an IAF representative Air Vice Marshal Ravi Gopal Krishana Kapoor.
MEA confirms losing a MiG21, shooting pakistan aircraft, says Indian pilot is missing in action
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar is addressing a press conference, says Pakistan has targeted military installations on Indian side. “One Pakistani aircraft was shot down. We have lost one fighter jet. One pilot has been missing. Pakistan has claimed they have arrested him. However, we are still ascertaining the fact,” he adds.
FirstCut by Manjul
Turkey stands by Pakistan
Turkey has “categorically” announced to stand by Pakistan and its people in the “face of Indian aggression”, Karachi-based newspaper Dawn reports. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu shared the sentiments in a telephonic conversation with his counterpart Shah Mahmood Qureshi, it said. According to Qureshi, Cavusoglu said “Turkey would also oppose” the Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj’s invitation to the upcoming OIC meeting in Abu Dhabi.
Pakistan CAA announces airspace shut for all commercial flights
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has withdrawn NOTAM (Notice to Airmen to alert aircraft pilots of potential hazards along a flight route), flight services to resume.
Meanwhile, Pakistani Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has announced that its airspace has officially been closed for commercial flights.
Notam from Delhi ACC has been removed
Pakistan summons Indian acting High Commissioner
Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Indian acting High Commissioner Gaurav Ahluwalia over alleged ceasefire violations, reports News18.