New York: Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday accused India of seeking “political gains” after the Pahalgam attack, while remaining silent on Islamabad’s role in sponsoring cross-border terrorism.
Addressing the UN General Debate, Sharif alleged that India targeted Pakistani civilians, forcing their armed forces to respond in “self-defence.”
“In May this year, my country faced unprovoked aggression from our eastern front. The enemy came with arrogance, and we sent them back in humiliation. India sought political advantage from a human tragedy by rejecting my offer of an independent probe into the Pahalgam incident. Instead, it attacked our cities and civilians. Our response was in line with Article 51 of the UN Charter,” Sharif claimed.
Reiterating unsubstantiated assertions, Sharif said Pakistan shot down seven Indian fighter jets and lauded his military for its “stunning professionalism.”
“Our valiant forces repelled the attack, and our falcons turned seven of India’s jets into scrap and dust,” he added.
However, Sharif ignored the fact that India’s Operation Sindoor specifically targeted nine terror hubs in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK).
India has consistently rejected Pakistan’s claims of shooting down Indian aircraft, with Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh confirming instead that Indian forces downed Pakistani jets. New Delhi has demanded proof, which Islamabad has failed to provide.
Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7, struck terror infrastructure belonging to Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Hizbul Mujahideen, killing over 100 terrorists. The strikes came in response to the April 22 Pahalgam attack that left 26 civilians dead.
The conflict ended on May 10 following four days of intense drone and missile exchanges. Unlike Sharif’s remarks, India presented evidence through detailed press briefings and satellite imagery, underlining that the strikes were focused, measured, and avoided Pakistani military facilities.
