In an emotive address to personnel at the Kamra Airbase, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid a moving tribute to the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) for having won what he termed “one of the greatest military victories in the country’s history.”
In reference to the recent conflict with India, the PM announced that PAF aircraft successfully destroyed six Indian planes, three of which were sophisticated Rafale warplanes, in a high-risk aerial combat that played out between May 6 and May 10.
“I stand here not only as Prime Minister,” Shehbaz said, “but as a proud Pakistani—on behalf of 240 million citizens—grateful and humbled by your valor, skill, and patriotism. You have crushed the arrogance of a much larger enemy.”
Addressing earlier reports, PM Shehbaz clarified that during a comprehensive operational briefing, it was confirmed that six enemy jets had been taken down—not five, as initially reported. “And this includes three Rafale jets—India’s pride, downed by our eagles using JF-17 Thunders and Chinese-made aircraft. That’s not just a tactical win—it’s a strategic shockwave.”
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He added that multiple enemy drones were also neutralized in the process, demonstrating Pakistan’s aerial superiority and technological capabilities.
“Modi will never forget the evening of May 10”
In a pointed message to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Shehbaz Sharif declared that May 10 will go down in history as the day Pakistan rewrote the rules of engagement. “This is a message to every aggressor: If you look at Pakistan with hostile intent, we will break your pride into pieces and bury your arrogance beneath the soil of this land.”
He likened the episode to a divine lesson, referencing Surah Al-Fil from the Quran, where small birds defeated a powerful army. “Just as the Ababeel brought down elephants, our Shaheens have downed Rafales.”
Unprecedented military coordination
PM Shehbaz lauded the unity and coordination among Pakistan’s defense forces, calling it a defining factor in this swift and decisive victory. “Never before in Pakistan’s history have the Army, Navy, and Air Force worked with such real-time synergy and mutual respect,” he said. “I personally congratulate Army Chief General Asim Munir, Air Chief Zaheer Babar Sidhu, and Naval Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf for their bold leadership.”
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He emphasized that the victory wasn’t just military—it was diplomatic, psychological, and moral. “Pakistan showed immense restraint and wisdom in the face of provocation. We didn’t attack civilians—we struck only military targets, whereas India attacked innocent children and families. That’s where we stand apart from them.”
“You reminded us of MM Alam, Rafiqui, and our legends”
Taking recourse to historical parallels, Shehbaz emotionally brought back the heroism of PAF heroes from the 1965 and 1971 conflicts. “What you did has reminded us of MM Alam, Sarfaraz Rafiqui, and Chaudhry Faisal—legends whose spirit now lives in you. The entire nation is in awe.”
The Prime Minister shared that he had just visited the families of the fallen heroes—mothers who lost their sons in the line of duty. “I’ve seen the tears of those mothers who gave Pakistan their best. And I promise, we will never forget their sacrifices. Their sons are the reason this flag flies so high today.”
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PM Shehbaz said the world was stunned by Pakistan’s swift dominance in the skies. “In less than 10 hours, you delivered a verdict that the global community will study for decades. You dismantled a regional bully’s narrative, and proved that strategy, faith, and skill always outweigh numbers.”
He concluded with a message of unity: “This victory is not just military—it’s national. The people, the soldiers, and the leadership stood as one. And that’s why we won.”
