IAF Strike in Balakot, Pakistan: The pilot was in a Mig 21 that crashed after a skirmish (File)
The government today said that an Indian pilot was "missing in action" after an Indian Air Force aircraft shot down a Pakistani jet targeting military installations. Later, the Acting High Commissioner of Pakistan was summoned this afternoon by the Ministry of External Affairs to lodge a strong protest at the "unprovoked act of aggression by Pakistan against India earlier today". The government has also strongly objected to Pakistan's "vulgar display of an injured personnel of the Indian Air Force" in violation of all norms of the Geneva Convention.
This was after Pakistan claimed in a statement that strikes across Line of Control are "from within Pakistani airspace." The allegations reflect the escalation of hostilities a day after the Indian fighter jets went within Pakistan and destroyed a terror training camp.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is meeting with top officials including Advisor Ajit Doval, the Defence and Foreign Secretaries and intelligence officials. A Pakistani F-16 aircraft crashed on its own territory, in the Lam Valley area along the Indian air space in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch and Rajouri sectors.
Amid increasing tension, the entire airspace north of Delhi has been vacated, official sources said, according to news agency Press Trust of India.
Earlier in the day, Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj, in a visit to China, said India wants to avoid any "further escalation of the situation" and will "continue to act with responsibility and restraint".
The US asked Pakistan to take "meaningful action" against terror groups, with the Donald Trump administration calling for India and Pakistan to "exercise restraint" amid heightened tension between the two.
Here are the Updates on Indian Air Force's (IAF) strike on Jaish terror camp in Pakistan
Security was stepped up at the sensitive Paradip Port on Wednesday following escalation of tension between India and Pakistan, officials told the news agency PTI .
"We are keeping a constant vigil on the crew members of ships landing at the port here. The crew members who want to go outside the port area are being thoroughly checked," said immigration officer at the port, Manas Ranjan Das.
IAF air strike Pakistan: European Union Warns Over India-Pak Tension
The European Union has said that the rising tension between India and Pakistan has the potential to lead to "dangerous consequences" for the two countries and the wider region and called for utmost restraint.
European Union Commission Vice President Federica Mogherini said in a statement, "Following the recent terrorist attack in Pulwama, tensions along the ''Line of Control'' between India and Pakistan have escalated militarily during the last days. This has the potential to lead to serious and dangerous consequences for the two countries and the wider region."
IAF Air Strike Balakot: "Let The Country Speak In One Voice": Arun Jaitley To Opposition
"The Cross Border terror attack in Pulwama was a reality. The Balakot Operation was India's Anti- Terror preemptive strike to defend its Sovereignty. The whole nation has spoken in one voice. Why, then is India's opposition alleging that the Government is politicising our Anti-Terror Operations. My appeal to India's opposition - "Let the country speak in one voice". Please introspect - 'Your ill advised statement is being used by Pakistan to bolster its case'," Arun Jaitley in a series of tweets.
Due to the closure of Pakistani airspace by its government, Air Canada has temporarily suspended service to India.
One flight en route to Delhi today has turned back over the Atlantic Ocean and is returning to Toronto, while a second flight from Vancouver to Delhi today has been cancelled.
We have not yet received any instructions from the authorities about any change to the current running of the Samjhauta Express, we will follow whatever directions are received in this regard: Railway Minister Piyush Goyal quotes as saying by news agency ANI
I hope saner counsels will prevail between leadership of India, Pakistan: Ex-prime minister Manmohan Singh
Air Strike in Pakistan: Sri Lanka Releases Statement
"As a country that has suffered from the scourge of terrorism for nearly three decades, Sri Lanka has unequivocally condemned this terrorist attack in Pulwama and stands firmly by the fight against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Sri Lanka strongly supports peace and stability in the South Asia region and all endeavours towards the diffusion of tensions, including the resolution of bilateral problems through dialogue and building confidence": Sri Lanka
Army personnel deployed at sensitive locations in Mumbai along with local police in view of increased tensions on the India-Pakistan border: Sources told news agency PTI
IAF Air Strike: HD Kumaraswamy Says Nation Stands In Solidarity With Armed Forces
UK is deeply concerned about rising tensions between India and Pakistan and urgently calls for restraint on both sides to avoid further escalation. We're in regular contact with both countries, urging dialogue and diplomatic solutions to ensure regional stability: UK Prime Minister Theresa May
PM Modi Chairs High Level Meeting
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has chaired a high level meeting in Delhi. He has met the three services chiefs, along with National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval.
In the air strike, neither the Pakistani civilians were hurt nor the Pakistan Army was targeted. Our Air Force soldiers carried out the strike with caution. Despite this, Pakistan has been trying to defame India: Home Minister Rajnath Singh quoted as saying by PTI
Here is the Ministry Of External Affairs Statement "The Acting High Commissioner of Pakistan was summoned this afternoon by MEA to lodge a strong protest at the unprovoked act of aggression by Pakistan against India earlier today, including by violation of the Indian air space by Pakistan Air Force and targeting of Indian military posts.
This is in contrast to the India's non-military anti-terror pre-emptive strike at a JeM terrorist camp in Balakot on 26 February 2019. It is unfortunate that instead of fulfilling its international obligation and bilateral commitment to take credible action against terrorist entities and individuals operating from its soil, Pakistan has acted with aggression against India.
It was clearly conveyed that India reserves the right to take firm and decisive action to protect its national security, sovereignty and territorial integrity against any act of aggression or cross-border terrorism.
India also strongly objected to Pakistan's vulgar display of an injured personnel of the Indian Air Force in violation of all norms of International Humanitarian Law and the Geneva Convention. It was made clear that Pakistan would be well advised to ensure that no harm comes to the Indian defence personnel in its custody. India also expects his immediate and safe return.
Regret was expressed at continuing denial by Pakistan's political and and military leadership at the presence of terrorist infrastructure in territories under its control. A dossier was handed over to Pakistan side with specific details of JeM complicity in Pulwama terror attack and the presence of JeM terror camps and its leadership in Pakistan. It was conveyed that India expects Pakistan to take immediate and verifiable action against terrorism emanating from territories under its control."
IAF Strikes in Pakistan: India Confirms Air Force Pilot Is In Pakistan Custody
India has confirmed that an Air Force pilot is in Pakistan's custody. "India also strongly objected to Pakistan's vulgar display of an injured personnel of the Indian Air Force in violation of all norms of International Humanitarian Law and the Geneva Convention. It was made clear that Pakistan would be well advised to ensure that no harm comes to the Indian defence personnel in its custody. India also expects his immediate and safe return," a Ministry of External Affairs statement said.
Pakistan's chief military spokesman Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor has said that the Pakistani army currently had only one downed Indian pilot in custody, having previously said two pilots had been captured, one of whom was wounded."There is only one pilot under Pakistan Army's custody," Major General Asif Ghafoor said.
IAF Air Strike Pakistan: Russia Issues Statement
"We express our serious concern about the aggravation of the situation along the Line of Control between India and Pakistan and the outbreak of tensions between friendly states. We call on both sides to show restraint and step up efforts to resolve existing problems by political and diplomatic means": Russia
"National Security Must Transcend Narrow Politics," Says Opposition
IAF Air Strike in Pakistan: As Pakistan claimed it had an Indian pilot in custody following an aerial encounter with the Indian Air Force over the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir today, there were calls to treat him humanely and in accordance to the Geneva Conventions.
Read hereIAF Air Strike: Opposition Alleges "Politicization Of Sacrifices"
"The meeting of 21 parties expressed their deep anguish over the blatant politicization of the sacrifices made by our Armed Forces by leaders of the ruling party. National security must transcend narrow political considerations": Congress president Rahul Gandhi read out a joint statement .
Congress president Rahul Gandhi wishes for the return of the missing Indian Air Force pilot.
India has summoned Pakistan deputy envoy.
21 Parties Issue Joint Statement, Express Solidarity With Armed Forces
21 political parties have issued a joint statement, condemning the Pulwama terror attack. They paid homage to the CRPF soldiers who died in the line of duty. The political parties "lauded the action taken by the Indian Air Force against the terrorist camp on 26th February 2019 and praised our Armed Forces for their valour and bravery".
IAF Strike in Pakistan: Emirates canceled Pakistan, Afghanistan flights, reports news agency Reuters
Dubai's Emirates airline has cancelled all Pakistan and Afghanistan flights on Wednesday and Thursday due to the closure of both countries' airspace, a spokeswoman said on Wednesday, reported news agency Reuters.
Bahrain's national carrier Gulf Air suspended all flights to and from Pakistan on Wednesday as well, according to Reuters.
IAF Strike at Balakot: Maharashtra on high alert amid rising tensions between India, Pakistan
Maharashtra and its capital Mumbai have been put on high alert in the wake of the rising tensions on the country's north-west border, official sources said on Wednesday, reported news agency Press Trust of India.
Heightened security was seen in Mumbai, the commercial capital of the country. Police vigil has been enhanced in Pune, Nagpur, Aurangabad, Nashik and Kolhapur as well. The government is ensuring there is no disturbance to the ongoing HSC (Class XII) examinations in the state.
In Mumbai, the tension was palpable on city roads and highways where random checks were being carried out in private and commercial vehicles, BEST or private buses, according to news agency PTI.
Security was tightened at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), major stations and terminals of Western Railway, Central Railway, Konkan Railway, suburban railway stations with high footfalls, bus depots and other sensitive installations in and around the city, reported PTI.
Police checks have also been intensified at the CSMIA, cargo complex and major hotels in its vicinity, and armed police and dog squads were scrutinising the luggage of passengers at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), Dadar Terminus, Lokmanya Tilak Terminus from where most long-distance trains arrive or depart, said a PTI report.
Increased patrolling was seen at important government and private residential and commercial establishments including the Mantralaya, the Legislature Building, headquarters of banks, airlines, shipping companies, luxury hotels, malls and multiplexes, top tourist destinations, places of worship, educational institutions, etc.
IAF Strike In Pakistan: Civil Aviation Ministry "strictly" following instructions of IAF, says Jayant Sinha
Minister of State for Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha Wednesday said his ministry was "strictly" following the "guidelines and instructions" of the Indian Air Force, reported news agency Press Trust of India.
Services at nine airports, including Srinagar, Jammu and Leh, in north India were temporarily suspended in view of heightened tensions between India and Pakistan.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) later in the day said the services at the nine airports have resumed "as of now," according to news agency PTI.
"We are strictly following all guidelines of the Air Force, and we will continue to do that," Mr Sinha said on the sidelines of an event in New Delhi.
Asked how many flights have been impacted, Mr Sinha said, "I don''t have the number. But, as I said, we are following the instructions of the air force."
Balakot Air Strike: Army's Eastern Command chief visits Panagarh base in West Bengal amid escalating tensions
Amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, Army's Eastern Command chief Lt General Manoj Naravane visited Panagarh base in West Bengal on Wednesday and reviewed operational preparedness, a defence official said, reported news agency Press Trust of India.
Lt Gen Naravane, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Command, emphasised the need for remaining alert at all times to meet the emerging security challenges, the official said, according to PTI.
Lt Gen Naravane reviewed the security situation and operational preparedness of the formation at the military station, where the country's first mountain strike corps will be based.
The Brahmastra Corps, or XVII Corps, which was raised in Ranchi, will shortly be shifting to Panagarh, the official said.
Balakot IAF Strike: "May God protect you," Akhilesh Yadav prays for "safe return" of IAF pilot
"I am praying for the safe return of our brave pilot. May God protect you and give you courage and strength. The nation stands with you," tweeted Akhilesh Yadav.
"We should sit down and talk," says Imran Khan, quoted by news agency Reuters
"We should sit down and talk," said Imran Khan, quoted by news agency Reuters. "Both sides can't afford miscalculation with weapons they have," he said.
"To discuss the Pulwama tragedy, I already invited you for dialogue," says Imran Khan
Imran Khan began to address the media amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. "To discuss the Pulwama tragedy, I already invited you for dialogue," he said. "I insist again, better sense should prevail," he added.
Imran Khan has begun addressing the media amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan.
Latest Update: Read Here: Balakot IAF Strike: Air Force Pilot MIA, Pakistan Claims He's In Their Custody: GovernmentAn Indian pilot is "missing in action" after an Indian Air Force aircraft shot down a Pakistani jet that was targeting installations in India, the government said today after Pakistan claimed "strikes across Line of Control from within Pakistani airspace", marking the worst escalation of hostilities between the countries in decades, a day after Indian fighter Jets struck a terror training camp within Pakistan.
The Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Pakistan had responded to its air strike by using its Air Force to target military installations on the Indian side. But the attempts were foiled, he said.
"The Pakistan Air Force was detected and the Indian Air Force responded instantly. In that aerial engagement, one Pakistan Air Force fighter aircraft was shot down by a MiG 21 Bison of the Indian Air Force. The Pakistani aircraft was seen by ground forces falling from the sky on the Pakistan side. In this engagement, we have unfortunately lost one MiG 21. The pilot is missing in action. Pakistan has claimed that he is in their custody. We are ascertaining the facts," said the spokesperson.
Balakot IAF Strike: Congress leader Ajay Maken tweets, saying "sorry to hear pilot is missing"
"Unfortunate and sorry to hear that MEA briefing states that 'India lost a plane and the pilot is missing in action'," Congress leader Ajay Maken said.
Balakot IAF Air Strike: US Navy Seals Killed Bin Laden In Pakistan's Abbottabad, Why Can't India, Says Arun JaitleyAs tensions escalate between India and Pakistan after the Pulwama terror attack and the subsequent air strike by India, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley today said India has the capability to eliminate terrorist masterminds roaming freely in the neighbouring country.
Masood Azhar, chief of terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed that claimed the suicide car bombing that killed 40 CRPF soldiers in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama over 10 days ago, is living in Pakistan, so is the 26/11 Mumbai attacks mastermind Hafiz Saeed.
"I remember when US Navy Seals (commandos) went to Abbottabad to kill (Al-Qaeda chief) Osama bin Laden, then why can't India? This used to be only an imagination, a wish, a frustration and disappointment. But it's possible today," said Mr Jaitley, who was defence minister before Nirmala Sitharaman was given charge of the ministry in late 2017.
IAF Air Strike: Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan is scheduled to address the media soon
Prime Minister Imran Khan will address the media soon
Balakot IAF Strike: Full Statement From Foreign Ministry Spokesman Raveesh Kumar
"India had informed about Counter Terrorism (CT) action it took yesterday against a training camp of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) in Pakistan based on credible evidence that JeM intended to launch more attacks. Against this Counter Terrorism Action, Pakistan has responded this morning by using its Air Force to target military installations on the Indian side. Due to our high state of readiness and alertness, Pakistan's attempts were foiled successfully.
The Pakistan Air Force was detected and the Indian Air Force responded instantly. In that aerial engagement, one Pakistan Air Force fighter aircraft was shot down by a MiG 21 Bison of the Indian Air Force. The Pakistani aircraft was seen by ground forces falling from the sky on the Pakistan side. In this engagement, we have unfortunately lost one MiG 21. The pilot is missing in action. Pakistan has claimed that he is in their custody. We are ascertaining the facts."
IAF Air Strike: "Indian pilot is missing," says foreign ministry spokesman Raveesh Kumar
"In this engagement, we unfortunately lost a pilot. Pakistan says he is in their custody. We are assessing facts," says foreign ministry spokesman Raveesh Kumar.
Balakot IAF Strike: Raveesh Kumar, Air Vice Marshal are briefing the media
Foreign Ministry Spokesman Raveesh Kumar, Air Vice Marshal RGK Kapoor are briefing the media.
News Update. Read Here: IAF Air Strike in Pakistan: Order On Shutdown Of Airports In North India Withdrawn, Flights To ResumeThe order to shut down eight airports over the northern states of Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh has been withdrawn. Flight operations have already resumed from some airports, including Jammu.
The order for shut down was issued a short while ago amid an escalation of hostilities with Pakistan. Sources had said the entire airspace north of Delhi has to be vacated. The list of airports included Amritsar, Jammu, Srinagar and Leh, Kullu-Manali, Kangra, Shimla and Pathankot.
The area has been on high alert amid Pakistan's warnings of retaliation after India's fighter jets crossed the Line of Control yesterday and destroyed a vast terror camp within Pakistan in a pre-dawn strike.
Balakot IAF Strike: Indian Railways issues security alert across network amid escalating tensions: news agency PTI
Indian Railways has issued a security alert across its network in view of the escalating tension with Pakistan, a senior official of the Railway Protection Force said Wednesday, reported news agency Press Trust of India.
Security has been beefed up on board all trains operating in border areas and on railway premises, he said, according to PTI.
"We have issued an alert to all General Managers of zones in view of the prevailing security scenario. All trains to the mainland and valley in Jammu and Kashmir have additional security personnel on board. We have also identified specific targets related to railways and have beefed up security there," RPF DG, Arun Kumar told PTI.
He also said that no trains to Jammu and Kashmir have been cancelled so far.
IAF Balakot Strike: NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) alerting aircraft pilots of potential hazards along a flight route, has been withdrawn
The NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) order, used to alert aircraft pilots of potential hazards along a flight route, has been withdrawn. Flight operations will resume.
IAF Air Strike Balakot: Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale to brief media in some today
Foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale will brief the media at around 3.1 today, according to news agency ANI.
IAF Strikes in Pakistan: China calls on India, Pak to "exercise restraint"
China called on Pakistan and India on Wednesday to "exercise restraint" and seek dialogue after Islamabad said it shot down two Indian warplanes in its airspace over Kashmir, according to news agency AFP.
"What we are concerned about is that India and Pakistan, as important countries of the South Asian subcontinent, can maintain good neighbourly and friendly relations," foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang said at a regular press briefing, according to AFP.
"We hope that both India and Pakistan can exercise restraint, take initiatives that are conducive to promoting dialogue, meet halfway and make active efforts for lasting peace and stability in South Asia," Lu said, quoted by AFP.
The reported downing of the Indian planes ignited fears of an all-out conflict between the nuclear-armed neighbours. It came a day after India said it had struck terror camps inside Pakistan.
China is one of Pakistan's closest allies.
Read Here: Pak Claims Strikes Across Line Of Control From Within Pak AirspacePakistan today claimed "strikes across Line of Control from within Pakistani airspace", the allegations reflecting an escalation of hostilities a day after Indian fighter jets destroyed a terror training camp within Pakistan. The entire airspace north of Delhi has been vacated and eight airports have been shut down indefinitely amid an escalation of tension between India and Pakistan a day after Indian Air Force Jets crossed the Line of Control and struck a terror training camp.
Latest news on IAF Air Strike: Entire airspace north of Delhi vacated: official sources, according to news agency Press Trust of India
Entire airspace north of Delhi vacated: official sources, according to news agency Press Trust of India.
IAF Air Strike in Pakistan: "A week is too long a time for any country": Arun Jaitley on IAF strike in Balakot, Pakistan
"A week is too long a time for any country. If you look at last 24 hours, one week would appear to be a day. The kind of things we see. I remember when the US Navy SEALs had taken Osama Bin Laden from Abbottabad (Pakistan), then can't we do the same?" Arun Jaitley said on the IAF strike at Balakot, according to news agency ANI.
IAF Strikes in Pakistan Latest News: SpiceJet says flights to and from Dehradun and Jaisalmer have been affected
"Due to airspace restriction, flights to/from Dehradun (DED) & Jaisalmer (JSA) are affected. Passengers are requested to keep a check on their flight status," tweeted SpiceJet.
Latest News: IAF Strike Balakot: Amritsar airport closed "due to operational reasons": Amritsar Airport Director AP Acharya: News agency ANI
"Due to operational reasons, the airspace at Amritsar has been closed for now. No commercial flights are coming to Amritsar. There is no base here, so flights are not even taking off from here," said AP Acharya, Amritsar Airport Director, quoted by news agency ANI.
IAF Air Strike: Pakistan stops domestic, international flight operations from Lahore, Multan, Faisalabad, Sialkot and Islamabad: news agency ANI
International flights transiting between India, Pakistan airspace is now being affected, reports news agency ANI. Pakistan has stopped its domestic and international flight operations from Lahore, Multan, Faisalabad, Sialkot and Islamabad airports, according to ANI.
IAF Air Strike Baakot, Pakistan Latest News: Flight operations temporarily suspended in Dehradun: news agency ANI
Flight operations in Uttarakhand capital Dehradun have been temporarily suspended, according to news agency ANI.
Latest News Read Here: IAF Strikes In Pakistan: India Rejects Pakistan Claim Of Jet Shot Down As Islamabad Claims Strike
India today denied Pakistani claims of shooting down Indian jets and said "all our pilots are accounted for" after Pakistan put out a statement claiming "strikes across Line of Control from within Pakistani airspace", a day after Indian fighter jets destroyed a vast terror training camp within Pakistan in a pre-dawn strike.
A Pakistani F-16 aircraft has apparently crashed on its own territory.
In a press release titled "Pakistani Strikes Back", Islamabad said "This was not a retaliation to continued Indian belligerence. Pakistan has therefore, taken strikes at non military target, avoiding human loss and collateral damage. Sole purpose being to demonstrate our right, will and capability for self defence. We have no intention of escalation, but are fully prepared to do so if forced into that paradigm. That is why we undertook the action with clear warning and in broad daylight."
IAF Strike in Pakistan: Vistara Airlines tweets a list of flights cancelled
Amid the indefinite closure of the Jammu, Leh and Srinagar airports, Vistara Airlines has tweeted a list of flights that have been cancelled, due to the closure.
"Due to air space restrictions, flights UK611 (Delhi-Sringar-Jammu), UK612 (Jammu-Srinagar-Delhi), UK735 (Mumbai-Amritsar), UK736 (Amritsar-Mumbai), UK976 (Delhi-Amritsar) and UK707 (Amritsar-Delhi) stand cancelled for today," the tweet from Vistara Airlines said.
IAF Balakot Air Strike: Flights to and from Srinagar, Jammu, Chandigarh, Amritsar and Dehradun suspended, tweets IndiGo
IndiGo Airlines has tweeted a travel advisory, saying "flights to and from Srinagar, Jammu, Chandigarh, Amritsar and Dehradun have been temporarily suspended."
IAF Balakot Air Strike: PM Modi cuts short address at function in Vigyan Bhawan in Delhi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi cut short his address at a function in Vigyan Bhawan on Wednesday and rushed to attend a meeting to review the security situation, according to news agency ANI.
PM Modi was answering questions from youngsters during the National Youth Festival 2019 when he was handed over a small piece of paper by an official of Prime Minister Office (PMO), according to ANI.
PM Modi stopped and walked toward the panelist where Union Minister Rajyavardhan Rathore was also present.
The PM waived at the audience and immediately left the dais and rushed to his office, according to ANI.
IAF Balakot Air Strike: IndiGo flight 6E 372, which took off from Chandigarh at 9.26 am, returned back
IndiGo flight 6E 372, from Chandigarh to Srinagar, turned back mid-flight to Chandigarh, due to the shuttering of the Srinagar airport.
IAF Balakot Air Strike: Go Air Flight from Chandigarh to Srinagar Cancelled
GoAir Flight G8 911 from Chandigarh to Srinagar which had to take off at 12.40 pm from Chandigarh has been cancelled after the shut down of the Srinagar airport.
IAF Balakot Air Strike: PM Narendra Modi holds high-level security meet at his home
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is holding a high-level security meeting at his home. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale, the Air Force chief and other officials are present at the meeting.
IAF Balakot Air Strike: Pakistan Claims "Strikes Across Line Of Control From Within Pak Airspace"
Pakistan today claimed "strikes across Line of Control from within Pakistani airspace" a day after Indian fighter jets destroyed a vast terror camp within Pakistan in a pre-dawn strike.
"This was not a retaliation to continued Indian belligerence. Pakistan has therefore, taken strikes at non military target, avoiding human loss and collateral damage. Sole purpose being to demonstrate our right, will and capability for self defence. We have no intention of escalation, but are fully prepared to do so if forced into that paradigm.
That is why we undertook the action with clear warning and in broad daylight," said the Pakistani statement.
IAF Balakot Air Strike: Rajnath Singh reviewed the security situation especially along the border with Pakistan
Home Minister Rajnath Singh Wednesday reviewed the security situation in the country, especially along the border with Pakistan, a day after Indian fighter jets bombed the biggest camp of terror group Jaish-e-Mohammad in that country, officials said, reported news agency Press Trust of India.
During the meeting, attended by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval among others, a detailed presentation was given about the security situation in the country and steps taken to ensure peace in all sensitive places, according to PTI.
Mr Singh directed the officials to ensure the Border Security Force, which guards the India-Pakistan border continues to remain on highest level of alertness so that any misadventure from across the border could be foiled, a home ministry official said, according to PTI.
"Due to airspace restrictions, flights to and from Amritsar, Srinagar, Chandigarh and Jammu are currently on hold. Customers are requested to check flight status before commencing their journey to the airport," tweeted Vistara Airlines.
IAF Strike In Pakistan: Joint Session of Pak parliament called today to discuss tension with India, formulate national response: news agency PTI
The joint session of Pakistan's Parliament has been called today (Wednesday) to discuss the tension with India and formulate a national response, reported PTI.
The parliamentary leaders will also be given an in-camera briefing by the government on the situation after India's strikes.
After IAF Strike in Balakot, Imran Khan calls for meeting of top decision-making body on nuclear issues
Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday called a meeting of the top decision making body on nuclear issues after India targeted terrorist camp in the country, according to news agency Press Trust of India.
The National Command Authority controls policy formulation, exercises, deployment, research and development, employment and operational command and control of the country''s nuclear arsenals, according to PTI.
The decision to call the NCA meeting was taken on Tuesday in the meeting of National Security Committee - a civil-military top level body that discussed the situation after the Indian attack.
The joint session of Parliament has been called today (Wednesday) to discuss the tension with India and formulate a national response, reported PTI.
The parliamentary leaders will also be given an in-camera briefing by the government on the situation after India''s strikes.
Read Here: IAF Air Strike At Balakot, Pakistan: Airspace Over Jammu, Leh And Srinagar Shut, Flights Diverted, Say SourcesAll airspace at Jammu, Srinagar and Leh, close to the border with Pakistan, has been shut down indefinitely, sources say.
Commercial flights have been put on hold.
The area has been on high alert amid warnings of retaliation after India's fighter jets crossed the Line of Control and destroyed a vast terror camp within Pakistan in a pre-dawn strike on Tuesday.
There have been reports of Pakistani fighter jets violating Indian air space in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch and Rajouri sectors.
Airspace over Jammu, Srinagar and Leh has been shut down
Inbound flights to Jammu and Srinagar have been diverted. Airspace over Jammu, Srinagar and Leh has been shut down.
Balakot IAF Strike: Pakistan foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said he won't attend Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) meet in Abu Dhabi, due to Sushma Swaraj's presence
Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Wednesday said that he will not attend the upcoming Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) meet in Abu Dhabi due to Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj's presence at the conclave as the "guest of honour," according to news agency IANS.
India has been invited for the very first time to attend the foreign ministers' conclave in Abu Dhabi next month where Sushma Swaraj will be the "guest of honour".
Speaking to Geo News, Shah Mahmood Qureshi said, according to IANS: "I have spoken to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Foreign Minister and have expressed my reservations over her (Sushma Swaraj) invitation. I have made myself clear that India has shown aggression. Under the current circumstances, it will not be possible for me to attend OIC meeting where Sushma Swaraj is present."
Civilian air traffic to and from Srinagar airport has been suspended, say officials, according to news agency PTI
All civilian air traffic to and from Srinagar airport has been suspended, according to officials, reports news agency Press Trust of India
Balakot Strike: "Telling That No Country Spoke Out In Pak's Favour," Says Ex-Pak Envoy
It is telling that no country, including China, has spoken out in favour of Pakistan after India''s air strike on a terror camp in the country, a former Pakistani envoy to the US said Tuesday, asserting that it was reflective that the world's patience on terrorist safe havens is running thin, reported news agency Press Trust of India.
"It is telling that no country has spoken out in Pakistan's favour after the Indian air strike," Husain Haqqani, the former Pakistani Ambassador to the US, told PTI.
India bombed and destroyed Jaish-e-Mohammed's (JeM) biggest training camp in Balakot in Pakistan''s restive Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, about 80-km from the Line of Control (LoC) early Tuesday, killing a "very large number" of terrorists, trainers and senior commanders.
The strike was the first by the Indian Air Force (IAF) inside Pakistan after the 1971 war.
IAF strike in Balakot, Pakistan: "India decided to take pre-emptive action," says Sushma Swaraj
India does not wish to see further escalation of the situation after the Balakot strike and will continue to act with responsibility and restraint, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj told China and Russia in China's Wuzhen on Wednesday after the country targeted terrorist training camp in Pakistan as she asked all nations to show "zero tolerance to terrorism", reported news agency Press Trust of India.
Launching a scathing attack on Pakistan for the February 14 Pulwama terror attack at the Russia, India and China (RIC) meeting, she defended India's airstrikes on terrorist bases in Pakistan, saying that it was pre-emptive action aimed at stopping further attacks by Jaish-e-Muhammed (JeM), according to news agency PTI.
"The recent dastardly terrorist attack on our security forces in Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir is perpetrated by Jaish-e-Muhammad, a Pakistan-based and supported terrorist organisation proscribed by the UN and other countries . We lost more than 40 personnel from CRPF," Ms Swaraj said, quoted by PTI.
"Such dastardly terrorist attacks are grim reminder for all the countries to show zero tolerance to terrorism and take decisive action against them," she said at the meeting attended by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavarov.
IAF strike in Balakot, Pakistan: US urges India, Pakistan to avoid "further military activity, avoid escalation and exercise restraint"
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo spoke separately with the foreign ministers of India and Pakistan and urged them to avoid "further military activity" following an air strike by India inside Pakistan, according to news agency Reuters.
"I expressed to both Ministers that we encourage India and Pakistan to exercise restraint, and avoid escalation at any cost," Pompeo said in a statement issued in Washington on Tuesday.
"I also encouraged both Ministers to prioritize direct communication and avoid further military activity," he said, according to news agency Reuters.
Firing has stopped now in Shopian, Jammu and Kashmir, after an encounter started earlier today morning
Firing stopped after an encounter broke out early today morning in Shopian, Jammu and Kashmir.
Balakot Strike: "No military installation was targeted, it was not a military op": Sushma Swaraj
Sushma Swaraj, on her visit to China, spoke on the IAF strike at Balakot in Pakistan.
"It wasn't a military op, no military installation targeted. Objective was to act against terrorist infrastructure of JeM to preempt another terror attack in India. India doesn't wish to see further escalation of situation. It'll continue to act with responsibility & restraint," said Sushma Swaraj, quoted by news agency ANI.
IAF Balakot Strike: Sushma Swaraj raises the Pulwama terror attack with Chinese counterpart: News agency PTI
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Wednesday raised the recent Pulwama suicide attack in her crucial bilateral meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at China's Wuzhen, a day after India destroyed a major Jaish-e-Muhammed (JeM) terror training camp in Pakistan, according to news agency Press Trust of India.
"I am visiting China at a time when there is grief and anger in India. It is the worst terrorist attack directed against our security forces in Jammu and Kashmir," she said in her opening remarks during the meeting held on the side-lines of Russia, India, China Foreign Ministers meeting, according to PTI.
"The attack was carried out by Jaish-e-Muhammed, the Pakistan-based and supported terrorist organisation," she said.
An encounter is underway in Shopian, Jammu and Kashmir
The Jammu and Kashmir police tweeted saying an encounter was underway at Shopian in Jammu and Kashmir.