Union Health Minister J P Nadda on Friday reviewed the country’s health infrastructure preparedness amid the ongoing India-Pakistan military conflict, official sources said.

During the meeting, senior health ministry officials briefed Nadda on the preparedness of hospitals and health facilities, assuring him that complete monitoring is being conducted from the control centre. The minister and his team assessed the readiness of hospitals across the country to handle any emergencies.

This review comes in the wake of Operation Sindoor, following which Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday chaired a high-level meeting with secretaries of various ministries. Modi emphasized the importance of continued alertness and clear communication, while reaffirming the government’s commitment to national security and operational preparedness.

Tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad have escalated since Indian armed forces targeted terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in response to the April 22 Pahalgam massacre.

In a stunning development this evening, an F-16 fighter jet of the Pakistan Air Force was shot down by the Indian Air Defence system, marking a sharp escalation in the ongoing conflict between the two countries.

The Pakistani F-16, which reportedly took off from the Sargodha air base in Punjab province, was intercepted and destroyed by an Indian surface-to-air missile (SAM) shortly after crossing into the vicinity of the border. According to sources, the fighter jet was shot down near the Sargodha air base itself, in what is being described as a high-precision defensive strike by India.

🚨 Major Blow to Pakistan’s Air Power

The Sargodha air base is one of Pakistan’s most critical front-line air bases and plays a key role in its air operations. The downing of an F-16, one of the most advanced fighter jets in Pakistan’s arsenal, is being seen as a severe setback to the Pakistan Air Force and a strong message from India regarding its defensive capabilities.

💬 Indian Forces on High Alert

This development follows last night’s massive missile and drone attack by Pakistan on military stations in Jammu, Udhampur, and Pathankot, all of which were successfully thwarted by the Indian Armed Forces using the S-400 missile defence system, SAMs, and the Integrated Counter Unmanned Aircraft System (ICM).

The Defence Ministry said that the Indian Armed Forces remain fully prepared to defend the country’s sovereignty and respond decisively to any provocations.

🛡 Sargodha Strike: A Strategic Milestone

Military analysts believe that the interception of the F-16 near Sargodha sends a powerful deterrent signal to Pakistan.
Sources stated:

“This interception showcases India’s deep surveillance, early warning, and long-range engagement capabilities. It demonstrates that India can effectively neutralize threats even before they approach our airspace.”

🎥 Public Reaction and Global Attention

The downing of the F-16 has further boosted public morale in India. News of the shoot-down spread rapidly across social media, with many hailing it as a decisive moment in the ongoing standoff.

Meanwhile, global observers are closely watching the unfolding situation, as tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors reach a critical phase.

the Indian Armed Forces tonight successfully intercepted and destroyed all missiles and drones launched by Pakistan, targeting key military stations at Jammu, Udhampur, and Pathankot along the International Border. The attack, which began around 8 p.m., marked the first major strike on Jammu by Pakistan in recent years.

Utilizing the state-of-the-art S-400 missile defence system, Surface-to-Air Missiles (SAMs), and the Integrated Counter Unmanned Aircraft System (ICM), the Armed Forces foiled Pakistan’s attempt to damage military installations and civilian areas. All aerial threats were neutralized mid-air, with no casualties or material damage reported.

🚨 Multiple Targets, Swift Response

According to officials, Pakistani missiles and drones were aimed at sensitive locations including Satwari (Jammu Airport), Samba, RS Pura, Arnia, as well as Udhampur and Pathankot. The aerial assault lasted approximately 30 minutes, during which locals witnessed the spectacle from rooftops despite a blackout.

Residents reported hearing sirens around 2:15 a.m., though no further attacks were confirmed. Eyewitnesses described the night sky lighting up with interceptors destroying eight Pakistani missiles mid-air; the exact number of downed drones is still being determined. Debris was reported in areas including Kakryal (Katra) and Garhi (Udhampur).

💬 Defence Ministry Speaks Out

A Defence Ministry spokesperson confirmed:

“Military stations at Jammu, Pathankot, and Udhampur were targeted by Pakistani-origin drones and missiles along the International Border today. The threats were swiftly neutralized using kinetic and non-kinetic capabilities in line with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). No casualties or material losses have been reported.”

The Ministry emphasized that India remains fully prepared to defend its sovereignty and protect its people from external threats.

🔥 Pakistani Tactics Echo Hamas Playbook

Sources likened Pakistan’s use of “cheap” rockets and drones to the tactics of the Hamas terror group, pointing to reported links between Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and Hamas operatives in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK).

Meanwhile, hostile drones were also sighted along India’s western border, all of which were thwarted by air defence systems. A complete blackout was enforced across Jammu city following two loud explosions, with sirens echoing to alert residents.

🛡 Indian Forces on Full Alert

Following the missile and drone strikes, Pakistan army and Rangers escalated the conflict by launching shelling and firing across multiple points on the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border. Indian troops responded with effective retaliatory fire, particularly in the Rajouri and Poonch sectors.

Authorities have evacuated civilians from several forward villages to safer areas as a precautionary measure.

🎉 Public Jubilant Over Indian Success

The interception of all incoming threats was hailed as a remarkable achievement by the Indian Armed Forces. Residents, initially tense, erupted in jubilation as they realized the country’s defence systems had successfully safeguarded both military and civilian zones.

Locals captured videos of the aerial exchanges, flares, and missile interceptions, flooding social media with footage of India’s defensive prowess.

📢 Ongoing Vigilance

Security has been tightened across the Jammu region. The National Security Guard (NSG) has been deployed at Jammu Airport, which has been closed since yesterday morning. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, bracing for any further escalation.

Jammu, May 7, 2025:
Samsung, a global leader in innovation and consumer technology, proudly announces the grand opening of its exclusive showroom on the first floor of Wave Mall, Narwal Road, Jammu. This state-of-the-art outlet is designed to offer customers an immersive experience into the world of future tech.

From the latest mobile phones, laptops, Watches,Tablets and to high-quality buds and accessories, the showroom showcases Samsung’s cutting-edge product line, all under one roof.

The exclusive outlet is owned and operated by Mr. Gokul Gupta, who envisions the space as more than just a retail store—it’s a hub for innovation, customer engagement, and technology-driven lifestyle.

Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or looking for the perfect gadget companion, this Samsung showroom in Wave Mall promises an unmatched shopping experience with expert guidance and top-tier service.

Visit now and step into the future with Samsung at Samsung Exclusive store
First Floor, Wave Mall
Jammu Ph:-9796000146

In a desperate and brutal reaction to India’s deep strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir (PoJK), the Pakistan Army unleashed heavy shelling on Poonch town and adjoining civilian areas late last night, causing civilian casualties and severe damage to homes, shops, and the historic Gurudwara Singh Sabha.

🌃 Night of Terror

Shelling began around 2 AM, catching residents of Poonch off guard.
“Mortars started raining in Poonch town at 2 AM and continued intermittently till 11 AM,” said a local official.
Police and local volunteers scrambled to evacuate victims amid relentless explosions. “We started shifting the injured to hospitals at midnight, but it was extremely dangerous,” said one police officer.

🕌 Damage to Religious, Civilian Structures

The prominent Gurudwara Singh Sabha and several nearby houses sustained direct hits. Many shops, homes, and other buildings were also damaged.

“This was barbaric and cowardly,” said one resident. “Targeting unarmed civilians is not bravery — it’s desperation.”

Residents described a sleepless night with shells landing close to homes, leaving many families to flee to safer locations or seek shelter with relatives.

⚔️ Indian Army Retaliates

The Indian Army responded swiftly and effectively at all locations along the LoC.
“Pakistan is retaliating to India’s operation by targeting the civilian population,” said Sardar Navneet Singh from Mankote. “They missed the military targets and shelled us heavily overnight, killing our people and injuring many. The damage to our homes is massive.”

📍 Areas Under Fire

• Poonch town
• Mendhar
• Mankote
• Thandi Kassi

The shelling damaged dozens of forward villages and densely populated civilian zones, creating panic across the region.

🌍 Background

The Pakistani attack followed India’s precision ‘Operation Sindoor’, which destroyed nine major terror camps across Pakistan and PoJK, including Jaish-e-Mohammad and Lashkar-e-Taiba headquarters.

In a forceful retaliation to the Pahalgam massacre, Indian Armed Forces early today destroyed nine terror camps, including key facilities of Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), using deep-strike missiles in a 25-minute precision mission.

This was India’s first aerial strike deep inside Pakistan’s Punjab province since the 1971 Indo-Pak war, officials confirmed.

🌍 Mission Highlights

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said the military operation, codenamed ‘Operation Sindoor’, was a measured, non-escalatory and proportionate response aimed at dismantling terror infrastructure and deterring further attacks.

“Pakistan has taken no demonstrable steps against terrorist infrastructure on its territory. India’s action today is about justice for Pahalgam,” Misri stated.

🎯 Key Targets Destroyed

Among the nine targets:

• Jaish-e-Mohammad’s Markaz Subhan Allah, Bahawalpur (over 100 km from the Indian border)
• Lashkar-e-Taiba’s Markaz Taiba, Muridke, near Lahore
• Hizbul Mujahideen’s Mehmoona Joya Facility, Sialkot
• Additional LeT and JeM camps in Muzaffarabad’s Shawai Nalla and Barnala

Indian officials reported complete success at all sites, with no civilian casualties.

👩‍✈️ Women Officers at the Helm

Col Sophia Qureshi (Army Signals Corps) and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh (IAF helicopter pilot) briefed the media, detailing how precision weapons were used to neutralize specific buildings while ensuring minimal collateral damage.

⚔️ Political & Strategic Reactions

• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh: “Our forces acted with precision, precaution, and compassion. Operation Sindoor was aimed at breaking terrorist morale.”
• External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar: “The world must adopt zero tolerance for terrorism.”
• National Security Advisor Ajit Doval: Briefed counterparts in the US, UK, Saudi Arabia, Japan, Russia, and France, emphasizing India’s no-intent-to-escalate stance but readiness to retaliate if provoked.

🛡️ Nation on Alert

Air defence units have been placed on high alert across the western frontier. Meanwhile, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) Raising Day saw a public salute to the armed forces’ precision strike.