Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Sunday praised Pakistan’s intelligence agencies for their critical role during the recent conflict with India, claiming they had early access to enemy plans and even obtained video footage of six Indian aircraft being shot down.
The recent confrontation between the two neighbouring countries, triggered by the Pahalgam attack, marked one of the most serious escalations in decades, pushing the nuclear-armed rivals to the brink of full-scale war. The conflict resulted in civilian casualties on both sides before diplomatic efforts managed to defuse tensions.
During the exchange, the Pakistan Air Force shot down six Indian aircraft, including a French-made Rafale fighter jet. A senior French intelligence official later confirmed the loss of at least one Rafale—marking the aircraft’s first known combat downing.
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Speaking at a seminar organised by the Professor Waris Mir Foundation at Aiwan-e-Iqbal, Naqvi said, “Our intelligence agencies’ role was so important… we knew whatever they planned, what aircraft they would use.” He added, “Within minutes, we received video footage of all six planes which were shot down.”
The minister revealed that intelligence agencies received detailed information about India’s plans well in advance, including sensitive intelligence and operational documents.
“We used to have every single detail of India’s decisions and papers in advance. Later, when their aircraft were shot down, it was decided that until we had evidence, we would not announce how many planes had been downed. We needed field proof—and believe me, within minutes, the evidence was with us. We have videos of six Indian aircraft that were shot down.”
Naqvi attributed part of Pakistan’s success during the conflict to divine intervention. “India fired seven missiles at one of our major bases, which contained valuable assets. Everyone was worried, but not a single missile landed inside the base—some fell before reaching, some outside, and some to the side,” he recounted.
He added that when Pakistan retaliated, its missiles struck an Indian oil storage depot without causing civilian casualties. “This was purely Allah’s help,” he said.
He also praised Pakistan’s military leadership, particularly Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir. Naqvi recalled a meeting with a visiting Saudi delegation that included military and government officials. The Field Marshal, he said, told them, “India is like a shining Mercedes, but we are like a dumper truck loaded with stones. Now imagine what happens when the two collide.”
Highlighting the unique unity within Pakistan’s leadership, Naqvi said, “For the first time in Pakistan’s history, the Army, Air Force, and Navy devised a joint strategy and fought the war under one plan.” He contrasted this with India’s fractured command structure, where military chiefs reportedly operated independently.
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Naqvi also named Ajit Doval and Amit Shah as the true masterminds behind the Indian government’s escalation. “These are the two men behind it all, and they will drown India as well as Modi,” he warned.
He emphasised domestic political unity amid the crisis: “On Pakistan’s side, all political parties stood united… everyone was in contact and supportive.” According to Naqvi, Pakistani leaders outperformed the Indian delegation’s attempts to lobby internationally, noting, “Our PPP Chairman outweighed them.”
The minister also accused India of sponsoring terrorism within Pakistan, particularly in Balochistan, and claimed India used the war to suppress Kashmiris. He commended the resilience shown by the Prime Minister and national leadership in responding firmly, saying they defied pressure not to retaliate.
The seminar also featured addresses by Senate Chairman Syed Yusuf Raza Gillani and Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan.
