2025-05-09T04:52:00Z

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ISLAMABAD: Tensions between Pakistan and India escalated dramatically on Thursday, May 8, as Pakistan’s military publicly refuted allegations made by India regarding drone and missile strikes. The accusations claimed that Pakistan had launched attacks on multiple military positions in India-administered Kashmir, drawing sharp rebuttals from Pakistani officials who labeled these assertions as mere fabrications.

The comments came from Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, a spokesperson for the Pakistani military, who characterized India’s claims as a “phantom defense.” Addressing the media, Chaudhry expressed skepticism about the Indian government’s narrative, stating, “India has created a hype since yesterday about Pakistan attacking 15 locations. It is such a fantastic and cooked-up story. You can just laugh about it.”

Chaudhry posed a rhetorical question to the audience, querying whether the Indian government and their armed forces were operating in the 18th century rather than the 21st century. He emphasized the modern implications of warfare, noting, “In the 21st century, every projectile leaves a digital trace and signature,” indicating that such attacks would have left a verifiable trail if they had occurred.

During the press conference, Chaudhry provided compelling visuals to support Pakistan’s stance, showcasing images of purported drone debris. He claimed that the remnants of these downed drones were being gathered from various locations, further asserting that the Pakistani military did not engage in any offensive action against India.

Amid these exchanges, the situation has spiraled into a serious humanitarian concern, with escalating violence leading to significant casualties on both sides of the border. Reports from the Pakistan news outlet Dawn indicate that since India initiated airstrikes on Wednesday, which it claimed were targeted at “terrorist camps,” at least 48 individuals have lost their lives. The casualties reflect the most severe outbreak of violence between the two nuclear-armed neighbors in decades.

Of these fatalities, the majority have been reported in Pakistan, where local authorities disclosed that at least 32 people died, including 12 children. This loss of innocent lives has sparked outrage and heightened tensions, compelling both nations to evaluate their military and diplomatic strategies in an increasingly fraught environment.