Bhimber: In a significant development along the volatile Line of Control (LoC), the Pakistan Army on Tuesday shot down an Indian surveillance quadcopter that violated Pakistan's airspace in the Manawar sector of Bhimber district, according to security officials.
The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), reportedly equipped with advanced surveillance equipment, was intercepted during its incursion into Pakistani territory. Military sources revealed that the quadcopter was engaged in reconnaissance when Pakistani troops detected its movement and swiftly brought it down, preventing a potential breach of national security.
“The swift action by our troops reflects the Pakistan Army’s readiness and professionalism in safeguarding our borders,” a senior military official stated. “This was a clear attempt at cross-border spying, and our forces acted decisively.”
The incident has further escalated already simmering tensions between Pakistan and India, following a deadly attack in Pahalgam in Indian-Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) on April 22. The attack, which resulted in the death of 26 people, most of them tourists, is considered one of the most devastating assaults in the region in the past two decades.
In the aftermath of the Pahalgam tragedy, India moved to unilaterally suspend the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) on April 23. The treaty, a cornerstone agreement mediated by the World Bank in 1960, has withstood numerous conflicts and political upheavals. India’s decision to halt cooperation on the IWT has drawn strong criticism from Pakistan, which views the move as a provocative escalation.
In a swift diplomatic countermeasure, Pakistan threatened to suspend the 1972 Simla Agreement and is reportedly considering closing its airspace to Indian flights. These tit-for-tat responses have raised fears of a renewed standoff between the two nuclear-armed nations.
While Indian officials have hinted at possible cross-border involvement in the Pahalgam attack, no concrete evidence has been presented so far. Pakistan has categorically rejected any involvement in the incident, urging for restraint and dialogue.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called for an independent international investigation into the Pahalgam attack to uncover the truth and prevent any further escalation. "Baseless accusations serve only to inflame the situation," he said in a press conference. “Pakistan demands a fair inquiry under international supervision to get to the root of the matter.”
Analysts believe the downing of the Indian drone is part of a broader strategic signal from Islamabad, asserting its military readiness and territorial integrity. The Pakistan Army has reportedly increased surveillance and defensive posturing along sensitive border areas.
As diplomatic relations continue to deteriorate, regional observers are calling for immediate de-escalation and renewed dialogue. The international community, particularly the United Nations and the World Bank, is being urged to mediate and ensure that the recent confrontations do not spiral into a broader conflict.
For now, the LoC remains tense, with both sides reinforcing their positions, and the threat of further incidents looming large.
