Afridi meets PM; congratulates armed forces on success of cross-border operation

Former Pakistan cricket team captain Shahid Afridi met Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad.

Afridi shared photos from the meeting on his social media and wrote, “Today, I had the honour of meeting Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.”

“On the occasion of Youm-e-Tashakur (Thanksgiving Day), I extend heartfelt congratulations to him and our brave armed forces on the remarkable success of Operation Baniyan Al-Marsous.”

During the meeting, PM Shehbaz presented a shield to Afridi. Federal Minister for Information, Atta Tarar, was also present on the occasion.

PAK-INDIA WAR

The situation escalated following the Pahalgam incident in Indian illegally occupied Kashmir on April 22. After this, in the early hours of Wednesday (May 7), India launched airstrikes across several areas in Pakistan, including Kotli, Bahawalpur, Muridke, Bagh, and Muzaffarabad. At least 30 civilians were reportedly martyred, with over 40 others injured.

In retaliation, the Pakistan Air Force shot down six Indian aircraft, including three Rafale jets. This marked the first time in history that a Rafale jet was brought down in combat.

A day later, on Thursday, Pakistan also shot down more than 30 Indian drones in various regions of the country.

However, on Friday night, India launched unprovoked missile attacks on Pakistani airbases.

After this, the Pakistan army launched "Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos" on the time of Fajr on May 10 and hit several Indian military sites, security sources said.

According to state-run PTV News, the operation began at 4:38 am, and by 5:52 am, Pakistan had destroyed a BrahMos missile storage site in Beas, as well as an air base in Adampur and an airfield in Pathankot.

At 6:29 am, PTV reported that Pakistani drones were flying over New Delhi, and by 7:13 am, PAF's JF-17 Thunder jets had destroyed India's S-400 missile defence system in Adampur, worth approximately $1.5 billion.

However, after three days of the conflict, both India and Pakistan announced that a ceasefire was agreed, effective from 5:00 pm IST/04:30 pm PKT (11:30 UTC) on 10 May, with talks set for 12 May.