Pakistan’s Interior Minister praises role of country's intelligence community during war with India
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Sunday praised Pakistan’s intelligence agencies for their role during the recent conflict with India, claiming they had prior knowledge of India’s military plans and obtained video footage of six Indian aircraft being shot down, including a Rafale fighter jets.
Speaking at a seminar hosted by the Professor Waris Mir Foundation at Aiwan-e-Iqbal, Naqvi described the intelligence community’s performance as “exceptional,” asserting that Pakistani agencies had early access to sensitive operational details from across the border.
“Our agencies knew what India was planning and which aircraft they would deploy,” Naqvi said. “Within minutes of the engagement, we had video footage of all six Indian jets that were downed.”
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Conflict and escalation
The confrontation, triggered by the Pahalgam attack, led to a dangerous escalation between the nuclear-armed neighbors, resulting in civilian casualties on both sides. The situation was eventually diffused through diplomatic efforts.
During the conflict, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) reportedly downed six Indian aircraft, including French-made Rafale, marking the aircraft’s first known combat loss. A senior French intelligence source later confirmed at least one Rafale was downed.
Naqvi emphasized that Pakistan’s leadership waited for verified field evidence before publicly confirming the number of jets downed. "We had every detail in advance—India’s decisions, even their operational documents,” he claimed.
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‘Divine Protection’ and missile exchange
Naqvi also recounted India’s missile attack on a major Pakistani military base, stating that seven missiles were fired but none hit the intended target. He described the incident as an act of divine intervention.
“Some fell short, some outside, and some to the side. Not one landed inside. This was purely Allah’s help,” he said.
Pakistan’s response reportedly targeted an Indian oil storage depot, which Naqvi said was hit without causing civilian casualties.
Leadership and strategy
The minister credited the success of Pakistan’s defense strategy to a unified command involving the Army, Air Force, and Navy, which he claimed operated under a single, coordinated plan—unlike India's, which he described as disjointed.
He also praised Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, quoting a remark made during a meeting with a Saudi delegation:
“India is like a shiny Mercedes, and we are a dumper truck loaded with stones. Imagine what happens when the two collide.”
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Naqvi added that India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Home Minister Amit Shah were the key architects of India’s actions, warning they would ultimately “drown India along with Modi.”
Domestic unity and international response
Naqvi highlighted the political unity in Pakistan during the conflict, noting that all parties stood together in support of the government and military. He also claimed that Pakistani leadership outmaneuvered India in the international arena.
“Our PPP Chairman outperformed their delegation in lobbying efforts,” he said.
He reiterated accusations that India was sponsoring terrorist activity in Balochistan and using the conflict to further suppress Kashmiri voices.
The seminar was also addressed by Senate Chairman Syed Yusuf Raza Gillani and Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan, who echoed support for the country’s intelligence and armed forces.
Source: Express Tribune