In a dramatic escalation of tensions, Pakistan launched a large-scale aerial counterattack involving 125 fighter jets after India conducted air raids on Azad Kashmir and other parts of Pakistan just past midnight on Tuesday.
According to a senior Pakistani official, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) swiftly initiated retaliatory operations, leading to a nearly one-hour-long dogfight with Indian fighter jets. The clash has been described as the largest and longest dogfight in modern times. During the exchange, five Indian fighter aircraft were reportedly shot down. 
Despite the intensity, neither side allowed their aircraft to breach the other’s airspace. The official confirmed that missiles were fired from a distance of approximately 160 kilometers.
This confrontation echoes the 2019 aerial skirmish when a similar dogfight led to the downing of an Indian jet by Pakistan and the capture of pilot Abhinandan Varthaman. However, both nations appear to have taken precautionary measures this time to prevent further escalation. As a result, pilots were not permitted to cross borders.
The Pakistani official also revealed that Indian forces had to make multiple attempts to strike their intended targets. Meanwhile, the Pakistan military tried to alert civilians in potential strike zones in time, which they believe significantly reduced potential casualties.
