Daijiworld Media Network – Islamabad

Islamabad, May 9: In a strange justification amid mounting criticism, Pakistan defence minister Khawaja Asif claimed that Indian drones were not intercepted to avoid exposing strategic military locations. The statement came after Pakistan’s failure to respond effectively to Indian retaliatory strikes under ‘Operation Sindoor’.

Speaking in parliament, Asif said, “The drone attack that happened yesterday was basically carried out to detect our locations… That is why they were not intercepted so that our locations are not leaked.”

The remarks sparked ridicule on social media and across diplomatic circles, with many terming the explanation as an attempt to save face following the precision strikes by Indian forces on nine terror hubs in Pakistan and PoJK.

Asif had earlier drawn flak for asserting that Pakistan shot down five Indian jets during the operation, but failed to present any concrete proof. When questioned during an interview, he cited ‘social media’ as his only source. “It’s all over the social media, on Indian social media,” he claimed, prompting a sharp retort from the anchor.

Further pressed on the type of military hardware used in the alleged jet takedown, Asif sidestepped the question and instead highlighted Pakistan’s use of Chinese-made JF-17 and JF-10 aircraft. “If India can buy planes from France and use them, we can also buy from China, Russia, the US, or UK,” he said.

The developments follow India’s successful foiling of Pakistan’s drone and missile retaliation attempts across the LoC and international borders.