KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has revisited last year’s military tensions with India, saying that Pakistan’s armed forces and citizens showed unity and strength during a critical period of conflict.
Speaking at a ceremony in Karachi, the chief minister said that about a year ago, the Pakistan Army had shot down several Indian aircraft, including two Rafale jets, while villagers in border areas were also bringing down drones. He said the nation stood united at that time and proved its resolve in the face of aggression.
Murad Ali Shah alleged that on April 22 last year, India carried out what he described as a false flag operation and attempted to blame Pakistan. He said Pakistan had demanded evidence from India and made it clear that it does not seek war but would respond firmly to any hostile action.
He added that in early May the situation escalated further when India launched military operations, leading to heightened tension between the two countries in the air and along defense lines. According to him, Pakistani forces responded effectively to Indian aircraft during that period.
The chief minister also claimed that incidents against Muslims increased in India after the Pahalgam episode and criticized Indian media coverage during the standoff. He said Indian outlets spread reports about Karachi Port being targeted, while Pakistan’s navy remained fully prepared.
Murad Ali Shah emphasized that although Pakistan is a peace-loving country, it has the full capability to defend itself. He noted that tensions between the two neighboring countries have existed since 1947.
He also referred to Pakistan’s nuclear and missile development history, recalling that former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto gathered scientists in Multan in 1972 and expressed his determination to make Pakistan a nuclear power. He added that the missile program was later initiated during the tenure of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto.
