Indian Air Force (IAF) fighter jets intruded into Pakistan’s airspace twice on Saturday, drifting some four kilometres inside the Kashmir and Lahore sectors.
The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) fighters, already in the air as part of Air Defence Alert mission (Combat Air Patrol), rushed to counter the threat in the Kashmir and Lahore sectors, forcing the Indian warplanes to flee back to their airspace.
The IAF first violated Pakistan’s airspace at 11:30 am, entering Azad Kashmir from the north in the Lipa sector. This intrusion was countered by the PAF interceptors. The next IAF adventure was in the Lahore sector at 1:30 pm. Again the PAF interceptors on the Air Defence Alert mission scrambled to Lahore, forcing the Indian fighter jets to retreat.
The incident has raised fears of war as tension already prevailed between Pakistan and India in the backdrop of the Mumbai attacks. The Indian government later termed the action inadvertent. A similar statement was also issued from Pakistan’s PM’s office, saying ‘it was a mistake’. It is important to note it is almost impossible for a high-tech airforce to commit such a mistake twice on the same day. Defence analysts believe the violations were deliberate. The PAF spokesperson was of the view that the IAF wanted to check the readiness of the PAF.
The PAF, that was already alert to thwart any aggression, confirmed violation of the country’s airspace by Indian warplanes. It said the Indian warplanes intruded four kilometres inside Pakistani territory and were forced to return by the PAF warplanes.
The intrusion has been condemned by Pakistani people and political forces – considering gravity of situation, we invite our readers to post their opinion on this important development. Do you second that confidence-building measures need to be given priority and peace initiatives should be strengthened between Pakistan and India.
(From GEO Blog)
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