By: Sajjad Hussain
Date: May 17, 2025

In the latest flare-up between South Asia’s two nuclear-armed neighbors, the May 2025 India-Pakistan confrontation following the Pahalgam incident has once again spotlighted the volatility of the region — but also brought into focus Pakistan’s calculated, composed, and strategically dominant response on both military and diplomatic fronts.

Background: Triggered by Tragedy, Fueled by Blame

The incident began with a deadly attack in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir, on April 22, where 26 tourists lost their lives. Without a full investigation, India was quick to pin blame on Pakistan-based groups — an accusation Islamabad firmly denied, calling for an independent international probe.

Instead of diplomacy, India launched “Operation Sindoor,” targeting alleged camps across the Line of Control (LoC), claiming the destruction of nine sites. However, Pakistan’s military swiftly rebutted these claims, releasing drone footage and satellite data proving most of India’s missile strikes fell on uninhabited terrain or civilian zones — tragically resulting in the deaths of 26 Pakistani civilians, including children.

Military Response: Calm, Calculated — and Dominant

In response, the Pakistan Armed Forces initiated “Operation Shaheen II,” a measured yet forceful counteroffensive that showcased the tactical brilliance of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) and the country’s superior air defense capabilities.

Most notably, Pakistan shot down five Indian fighter aircraft, including:

• Three Rafale jets — a significant blow considering India’s heavy investment in the French-built aircraft.
• One MiG-29 and one Su-30MKI, both shot during attempted retaliatory incursions.
• Additionally, a combat drone used by Indian forces was neutralized near the Neelum Valley sector.

The successful takedowns were reportedly executed using Chinese-made J-10C jets, equipped with PL-15E air-to-air missiles and advanced electronic jamming systems. Pakistani authorities released radar tracking, aerial footage, and images from crash sites to validate their claims.

Even more striking, a senior French intelligence official confirmed to international media outlets that at least one Rafale jet was indeed lost — making this the first known combat downing of the aircraft worldwide.

Pakistan’s swift and precise retaliation established aerial dominance in the region within 48 hours, while ensuring civilian infrastructure and lives remained protected.

Diplomatic Composure Amid Chaos

As India reacted by suspending the Indus Waters Treaty and expelling Pakistani diplomats, Islamabad adopted a composed, internationally-minded approach:

• The Pakistani Foreign Office held urgent briefings with envoys from the OIC, EU, UK, and China, urging de-escalation and dialogue.
• Pakistan invited international observers to investigate the Pahalgam attack — an offer India rejected.
• Islamabad’s airspace restrictions on Indian flights placed additional pressure, while dossiers on Indian ceasefire violations were presented at the United Nations with overwhelming third-party backing.

Outcome: Ceasefire on Pakistan’s Terms

A ceasefire, brokered on May 10 with the involvement of neutral mediators, was only accepted after Pakistan firmly set red lines: no targeting of civilians, international verification of future incidents, and restoration of previous confidence-building measures.

While Indian media spun victory narratives domestically, global observers widely acknowledged Pakistan’s strategic superiority — both in terms of combat effectiveness and diplomatic maturity.

Conclusion: A Redefined Balance

The May 2025 conflict was more than a border clash — it was a test of resolve, readiness, and reputation. In every domain — air combat, international diplomacy, and public credibility — Pakistan emerged stronger, more assertive, and globally respected.

The decisive downing of advanced Rafale jets, combined with a calm and firm diplomatic stance, has reshaped perceptions. Pakistan did not merely defend itself; it dominated — and did so with restraint, responsibility, and remarkable clarity of purpose.

Disclaimer: This article is an analytical opinion based on publicly available reports and official statements. It does not endorse conflict but reflects on strategic developments and their implications.