Pakistan in a state of panic as it shoots down own jet fearing Indian airstrike, say reports

Even after one month of Balakot airstrikes, Pakistan is living in a sense of fear and panic. As per the latest reports, a mishap occurred at the Multan airport in Pakistan in which Pakistani soldiers started firing in the air fearing an Indian Airstrike. Journalist Aditya Raj Kaul tweeted, “Day before yesterday night, at the Multan airport in Pakistan a mishap occurred while refueling of Pakistan Air Force jet. Pak Army soldiers panicked and fired in the air after hearing a blast. Fear of an Indian air strike has led to the Pak shutting airspace for over a month.”

Major (Retd.) Gaurav Arya also tweeted about this incident and enquired about the incident with the Pakistani Military spokesperson, Major General Asif Ghafoor. Arya stated, “Hello @OfficialDGISPR, I know it’s not the right time to ask you such sensitive questions but would be grateful for a response. Is this news true? Apparently the pilot was one Late Wing Commander Mahmood. Also, don’t Chinese AD systems have IFF?”

As per OneIndia, reports suggest that Pakistan took down one of its own PAF JF-17 jet believing it be an IAF aircraft and was shot down by an LY-80 missile. It is also being reported that one PAF pilot died in the incident. However, Pakistan has maintained silence on this issue till now. If the Pakistani media is to be believed, civilian aircraft are not being allowed to land on the Multan airport. Moreover, blasts were heard at Multan airport last night. Some reports also suggest that two PAF jets were shot down by the Pakistani soldiers.

Incidentally, this incident took place exactly one month after the IAF carried out airstrikes in Pakistan’s Balakot. It seems that the Pakistani military establishment is still living in a sense of fear. What must be noted is the fact that Multan is not located close to the Indo-Pak border. It is located in South-western Punjab province of Pakistan, i.e. at a fair distance from the Indo-Pak border. However, the Pakistani military establishment doesn’t feel safe from an Indian airstrike in any part of Pakistan. The terrorist country seems to understand that the Indian Air Force (IAF) has the capability to strike any of its terror camps at will and the Pakistani military might not be able to block any such strike. This shows the kind of fear which has gripped Pakistan.