Filed on February 28, 2019 | Last updated on February 28, 2019 at 05.32 am

Imran Khan hoped 'better sense" would prevail to de-escalate the dispute with its neighbour.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has extended an offer to Indian Prime Minister Nerendra Modi for talks to de-escalate rising tensions between the neighbours.

In a televised address to the nation, Khan says Pakistan is "ready to cooperate" and added: "Let's sit together to talk to find a solution."

Khan again promised to cooperate with India to find the perpetrators behind a February suicide attack in Kashmir that killed more than 40 Indian troops.



Meanwhile, India says one of its air force Mig-21 fighter aircraft has been "lost" in an engagement with intruding Pakistani aircraft in Kashmir and that its pilot is missing.

Pakistan earlier on Wednesday said it shot down two Indian planes and captured two pilots.

India's External Affairs Ministry spokesman Raveesh Kumar says that one Pakistan air force aircraft also was shot down and India's ground forces saw it falling from the sky on the Pakistan side on Wednesday.

Khaleej Times' comprehensive 24-hour coverage brought you the latest news on Tuesday's blog. We continue our live updates:

3.55pm

Pakistan deputy high commissioner Syed Haider Shah summoned by India's Ministry of External Affairs

Delhi: Pakistan Deputy High Commissioner Syed Haider Shah at South Block. He had been summoned by Ministry of External Affairs. pic.twitter.com/ZZEb0tAQ8z - ANI (@ANI) February 27, 2019

3.50pm

"Very appropriate, precise and compassionate message conveyed to India by Prime Minister Imran Khan," Pakistan President Arif Alvi said on Twitter.

Very appropriate, precise and compassionate message conveyed to India by Prime Minister @ImranKhanPTI. Pakistan wants peace, it is to ready to help in investigation if any actionable information is provided. War has its own unmanageable dynamics, therefore sanity should prevail. - The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) February 27, 2019

3.15pm

UAE Issues travel advisory for Pakistan as flights get impacted at UAE airports - with Pakistani expats travellers stranded here and in Pakistan.

Pakistan shut down its airspace amid ongoing tension with India.

2.56pm

Bahrain-based long-haul carrier Gulf Air has acknowledged the cancellation and delaying of its flights.

According to Bahrain News Agency, the airline has announced the suspension of all flights to and from Pakistan. This is due to the closure of Pakistani airspace.

2.40pm

"I once again invite India to come to the negotiating table," Imran Khan, who has called for dialogue with New Delhi in the past, said in a televised statement.

2.38pm

"History tells us that wars are full of miscalculation. My question is that given the weapons we have can we afford miscalculation," Imran Khan said during a brief televised broadcast to the nation. "We should sit down and talk."

2.24pm

Pakistan PM Imran Khan is addressing the nation

2.04pm

Pakistan has claimed the pilot is in custody but we are ascertaining the facts, said the ministry spokesperson.

Sources to question whether India will take up the case of IAF pilot through diplomatic channels and or UN: Pakistan has not formally informed India about the detention of the pilot which it claims to have in its custody. pic.twitter.com/VVI10MKx8W - ANI (@ANI) February 27, 2019

1.54pm

Pakistan has targeted military installations on Indian side, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson said.

"One Pakistani aircraft was shot down. We have lost one fighter jet. One pilot has been missing. Pakistan has claimed they have arrested him. However, we are still ascertaining the fact," he adds.

#WATCH Raveesh Kumar, MEA: One Pakistan Air Force fighter aircraft was shot down by Indian Air Force. In this engagement, we have lost one MiG 21. Pilot is missing in action. Pakistan claims he is in their custody. We are ascertaining the facts. pic.twitter.com/Bm0nVChuzF - ANI (@ANI) February 27, 2019

1.52pm

1.27pm

Air India avoiding route of Pakistan air space with immediate effect.

Air India official: Air India avoiding route of Pakistan air space with immediate effect. India use Pakistan airspace for flights to Gulf countries, Europe and USA pic.twitter.com/SOMQmGrHPe - ANI (@ANI) February 27, 2019

1.20pm

All Opposition parties held a meeting in the Parliament House in New Delhi, Ani reports

Visuals of Opposition parties meeting in Parliament premises in Delhi. pic.twitter.com/ESqSmLhQyw - ANI (@ANI) February 27, 2019

1.10pm

According to PTI report, the entire airspace north of the Indian capital has been vacated as nine airports in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Punjab were closed for civilian air traffic on a day of rapidly escalating tensions between India and Pakistan.

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval was holding a high level meeting to assess the security situation in the wake of the developments of the morning, including Pakistan claiming that it had shot down two Indian military jets and arrested two pilots.

12.51pm

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan to address the nation on the current situation, reports PTI

12.40pm

China called on Pakistan and India to "exercise restraint" and seek dialogue after Islamabad said it shot down two Indian warplanes in its airspace over Kashmir.

"What we are concerned about is that India and Pakistan, as important countries of the South Asian subcontinent, can maintain good neighbourly and friendly relations," foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang said at a regular press briefing.

12.33pm

Footage of the arrested Indian pilot was released on Radio Pakistan's Twitter handle. Two Indian pilots were taken into custody and they are being treated well: one is injured and is being provided proper medical care, said the DG ISPR.

Two Indian pilots were taken into custody and they are being treated well: one is injured and is being provided proper medical care: DG ISPR https://t.co/JicMyWqjYl . . .#PakistanArmyZindabad#Budgam#PakistanAirForceOurPride#PakistanStrikesBack#PakistanZindabaad pic.twitter.com/KGdzaDJonF - Radio Pakistan (@RadioPakistan) February 27, 2019

12.05pm

Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor said that two pilots have been arrested, Dawn reports.

Maj Gen Ghafoor said that two pilots have been arrested.https://t.co/Vff25bTEWf - Dawn.com (@dawn_com) February 27, 2019

"There are reports of crash of an Indian aircraft on the Indian side (in Budgam), we had no engagement with that aircraft," ANI reports.

DG ISPR, Pakistan, Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor: There are reports of crash of an Indian aircraft on the Indian side (in Budgam), we had no engagement with that aircraft. pic.twitter.com/pWDYwVfoFR - ANI (@ANI) February 27, 2019

"Today morning, Pakistan Air Force engaged with six targets at the LoC. Because we are a responsible state and want peace, we decided that we will not use any military target," said the PAF spokesperson.

"Today morning, Pakistan Air Force engaged with six targets at the LoC. Because we are a responsible state and want peace, we decided that we will not use any military target."https://t.co/Vff25bTEWf - Dawn.com (@dawn_com) February 27, 2019

"As a result of engaging our target, no human life was affected. Staying within our jurisdiction, six targets were locked. And we carried out the strike."

"As a result of engaging our target, no human life was affected. Staying within our jurisdiction, six targets were locked. And we carried out the strike," said the army spokesperson.https://t.co/9EqUj32bLO - Dawn.com (@dawn_com) February 27, 2019

"Pakistan is not pushing the environment towards war. Pakistan deliberately avoided escalation."

"Pakistan is not pushing the environment towards war," he made it clear, adding Pakistan deliberately avoided escalation.https://t.co/Vff25bTEWf - Dawn.com (@dawn_com) February 27, 2019

11.55am

Prime Minister Narendra Modi cuts short his address at National Youth Parliament Festival and rushed to attend a meeting to review the security situation arising out of Pakistan's attempt to violate Indian air space, reports DNA.

#LiveUpdates -



Prime Minister Narendra Modi cuts short his address at #NationalYouthParliamentFestival and rushed to attend a meeting to review the security situation arising out of Pakistan's attempt to violate Indian air space.https://t.co/N5HLulRJJj pic.twitter.com/kg4M73DHEv - DNA (@dna) February 27, 2019

#PMModi leaves function, rushes to review security situation after Pak violates Indian air space https://t.co/pjYIhGEqDL pic.twitter.com/dEBOaDndDW - DNA (@dna) February 27, 2019

11.45am

Flight operations at Dehradun airport also have been temporarily suspended, ANI reports.

Uttarakhand: Flight operations at Dehradun airport also have been temporarily suspended. https://t.co/sVi8Y1krbI - ANI (@ANI) February 27, 2019

Follow our updates on the latest flights and airline announcements here.

11.40am

Leader of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Inaf (PTI), Sadaqat Abbasi said "India should know the whole Pakistani nation stands united behind their armed forces for the defence of their beloved country," as reported by Associated Press Pakistan.

11.35am

Indian authorities have banned 24 Pakistani channels in the border district, Bandipora in the wake of the situation arising out of Pulwama incident, reports APP.

According to Kashmir Media Service, in an order issued by Bandipora district magistrate, the authorities have asked all the cable operators to immediately stop airing of these 24 channels.

11.20am

PTI: "War is never a viable solution. PM Khan has maintained it may be easier to start war but it's next to impossible to end 1. PM IK warned for any misadventure from India, we will not think of retaliating but we will! We hope sense prevails across the border."

War is never a viable solution. PM Khan has maintained it may be easier to start war but it's next to impossible to end 1. PM IK warned for any misadventure from India, we will not think of retaliating but we will! We hope sense prevails across the borderhttps://t.co/Nd6j8WqKv2 - PTI (@PTIofficial) February 27, 2019

11.10am

Prime Minister Imran Khan has always been vocal about preventing war, says PTI. "Indian government must also show maturity and focus on next generations of India rather than just the next elections."

Prime Minister @ImranKhanPTI has always been vocal about preventing war. Indian govt must also show maturity and focus on next generations of India rather than just the next elections.#PakistanZindaabad - PTI (@PTIofficial) February 27, 2019

11.05am

"We extended an olive branch to India but alas the Indian govt resorted to unprovoked aggression. As a sovereign state, we reserve the right to protect our land and our airspace. India must show maturity now to avoid a war with us," according to Pakistan's Tehreek-e-Insaf.

We extended an olive branch to India but alas the Indian govt resorted to unprovoked aggression. As a sovereign state we reserve the right to protect our land and our airspace. India must show maturity now to avoid a war with us.#PakistanZindaabad pic.twitter.com/x6KIHYTb94 - PTI (@PTIofficial) February 27, 2019

10.50am

Pakistan's army spokesman says the country's air force shot down two Indian warplanes after they crossed the boundary between the two nuclear-armed rivals in the disputed territory of Kashmir, and that one Indian pilot was captured, reports the Associated Press.

Maj. Gen. Asif Ghafoor says Pakistani troops on ground captured the Indian pilot. He says one of the planes crashed in Pakistan's part of Kashmir and the other went down in Indian Kashmir.

He says that "one Indian pilot was arrested by troops on ground while two are in the area" on Wednesday.

Indian air force spokesman Anupam Banerjee in New Delhi said he has no information on Pakistan's statement.

Earlier, senior Indian police officer Munir Ahmed Khan said an Indian Air Force plane crashed in Indian-controlled sector of Kashmir. It wasn't immediately known if there were casualties.

Another police officer, S.P. Pani, said firefighters were at the site in Budgam area where the warplane crashed. Eyewitnesses said soldiers fired in air to keep residents away from the crash site.

10.45am

Pakistan Air Force's F-16 that violated Indian air space shot down in Indian retaliatory fire 3KM within Pakistan territory in Lam valley, Nowshera sector, reports ANI.

Pakistan Air Force's F-16 that violated Indian air space shot down in Indian retaliatory fire 3KM within Pakistan territory in Lam valley, Nowshera sector. pic.twitter.com/8emKMVpWKi - ANI (@ANI) February 27, 2019

10.35am

10.28am

Pakistan shot down two Indian Air Force planes in its airspace in Kashmir on Wednesday, a military spokesman said, adding that one Indian pilot had been captured, as reported by AFP.

One Indian pilot has been arrested by armed forces, says DG ISPR.https://t.co/7C6R5XmgPg - Dawn.com (@dawn_com) February 27, 2019

"PAF shot down two Indian aircrafts inside Pakistani airspace," tweeted military spokesman Major General Asif Ghafoor, adding that one aircraft had fallen in Pakistani-held Kashmir, while the other crashed on the Indian side.

"One Indian pilot arrested by troops on ground while two in the area," he said without elaborating further.

In response to PAF strikes this morning as released by MoFA, IAF crossed LOC. PAF shot down two Indian aircrafts inside Pakistani airspace. One of the aircraft fell inside AJ&K while other fell inside IOK. One Indian pilot arrested by troops on ground while two in the area. - Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor (@OfficialDGISPR) February 27, 2019

10.25am

According to Dr Mohammad Faisal, as qouted by Dawn, the Pakistan Armed Forces undertook strikes across LoC from Pakistani airspace. The sole purpose of this action was to demonstrate "our right, will and capability for self-defence. We do not wish to escalate but are fully prepared if forced into that paradigm."

#Pakistanstrikesback #PAF undertook strikes across LoC from Pakistani airspace. Sole purpose of this action was to demonstrate our right, will and capability for self defence. We do not wish to escalate but are fully prepared if forced into that paradigm#PakistanZindabad - Dr Mohammad Faisal (@ForeignOfficePk) February 27, 2019

10.20am

An Indian warplane has crashed in Budgam area of Indian Kashmir, according to media reports.https://t.co/Vff25bTEWf - Dawn.com (@dawn_com) February 27, 2019

10.15am

Pakistan Air Force jets violated Indian airspace in Rajouri sector and dropped bombs near the Indian army force. No reports of casualties yet, according to ANI.

Pakistan Air Force jets violated Indian airspace in Rajouri sector, dropped bombs near Indian army force. No reports of casualties yet. pic.twitter.com/rtyhhBGMGs - ANI (@ANI) February 27, 2019

J&K: Pictures of craters formed from Pakistani bombs dropped near Indian Army post in Rajouri sector. Pic courtesy: Army sources) pic.twitter.com/bAqG1YW3AO - ANI (@ANI) February 27, 2019

10.10am

Srinagar airport in Kashmir closed for three hours, according to a Reuters report.

10.08am

An IAF fighter jet crashed in Jammu and Kashmir's Budgam area, killing two pilots, according to ANI reports. Reports also claim that the pilot and co-pilot have been killed in the incident.

#SpotVisuals: Police on military aircraft crash in Jammu & Kashmir's Budgam, say, "Two bodies have been found at the crash site." pic.twitter.com/Tg2uFeJjdW - ANI (@ANI) February 27, 2019

9.58am

Reports have said that Indian air force jets intercepted Pakistan planes in Kashmir. The exact extent of the damage, if at all, was not immediately clear.





9.25am

Pakistan's civil and military leadership have decided to give a befitting response to India's aggression, says Foreign Minister Qureshi

9.20am

Pakistan High Commissioner to UK Nafees Zakaria has emphasised for resolving conflicts like Kashmir, in order to attain goals of economic prosperity for the people of the region.

9.10am

A statement was issued by Major General Asif Ghafoor, the Spokesperson for the Pakistan Armed Forces: "Pakistan was a democratic country and believed that two democracies could not fight with each other. But India proved it was not a democracy. You have chosen a path of war, without knowing the consequences for peace and stability in the region."

#Pakistan was a democratic country & believed that two democracies could not fight with each other. But, #India had proven that it was not a #democracy. "You have chosen a path of war, without knowing the consequences for peace & stability in the region: DG ISPR@MoIB_Official pic.twitter.com/1noeZPDLR8 - APP (@appcsocialmedia) February 27, 2019

Pakistan had fought for 15 years to bring peace and stability in the region. A joint session of the parliament and the National Command Authority meeting had been summoned on the issue, the statement continued.

#Pakistan had fought for 15 years to bring #peace and #stability in the #region.

A joint session of the #parliament and the #NationalCommandAuthority meeting had been summoned on the issue pic.twitter.com/wAbBNjOgCw - APP (@appcsocialmedia) February 27, 2019

9.05am

Pakistani police official Mohammad Altaf says six people, including children, were killed Wednesday in Kotli village in Kashmir.

8.35am

According to the National Security Committee Meeting in Pakistan: Claimed area of strike was open for the world to see the facts on ground. It was that domestic and international media will be taken to the impact site, as reported by the Associated Press Pakistan (APP).

Pakistan's government also decided to requisition the joint session of Parliament to take all parties on board.

Claimed area of strike was open for the world to see the facts on ground & agreed that the domestic & international media be taken to the impact site. Govt also decided to requisition the jointsession of Parliament to take all parties on board: National Security Committee Meeting pic.twitter.com/nTRcLkaCog - APP (@appcsocialmedia) February 27, 2019

8am

Indian and Pakistani troops in Jammu and Kashmir's Uri sector are using mortars and small arms to target each other in Kamalkote area since earlier in the day, the defence sources confirmed, adding that the exchanges were continuing.

Officials say the firing was 'intense and indiscriminate'; Kotli district the worst hit area https://t.co/WG77yvYLxG - Dawn.com (@dawn_com) February 26, 2019

People living close to the LoC are scared following heightened tension between the two neighbours, as reported by IANS.



Heavy firing exchanges were also continuing intermittently at 40 places on the LoC, including Poonch, Rajouri and Jammu districts since Tuesday night.

7.50am

In a joint operation, Kolkata STF and Murshidabad Police arrested two JMB (Jama'atul Mujahideen Bangladesh) workers. Explosives have been recovered from their possession.

In a joint operation, Kolkata STF and Murshidabad Police has arrested two JMB workers, explosives have been recovered from their possession. - ANI (@ANI) February 27, 2019

7.40am

In the exchange of fire, five soldiers from the Indian Army suffered minor injuries. Two soldiers were evacuated to the Military Hospital for medical treatment and are in stable condition.

In exchange of fire, 5 soldiers of Indian Army suffered minor injuries out of which 2 soldiers were evacuated to Military Hospital for medical treatment and are in stable condition. - ANI (@ANI) February 27, 2019

7.35am

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called on India and Pakistan to "exercise restraint" amid soaring tensions between the two nuclear-armed countries, while urging Islamabad to take action against militants.

"We encourage India and Pakistan to exercise restraint, and avoid escalation at any cost," Pompeo said in a statement after speaking with his counterparts from both countries.

US Secy of State issues statement in the light of strike by Indian Air Force in Balakot;states,"I spoke to Pak Foreign Min to underscore priority of de-escalating current tensions by avoiding military action&urgency of Pak taking action against terror groups operating on its soil pic.twitter.com/ac5nFKf8nw - ANI (@ANI) February 27, 2019

Pompeo said that in talks with Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, he stressed "the priority of de-escalating current tensions by avoiding military action, and the urgency of Pakistan taking meaningful action against terrorist groups operating on its soil."

India said Tuesday that it launched strikes against militant camps in Pakistan - New Delhi's first use of air strikes on its neighbour's territory since the two countries went to war in 1971.

Pakistan, while confirming the incursion, denied India's claim that the attack had inflicted major damage and casualties on militants.

7.30am

Both terrorists neutralised were affiliated with Jaish-e-Mohammed.

#UPDATE: Both the terrorists neutralised in the encounter were affiliated to Jaish-e-Mohammed. https://t.co/XR32ZRzQEm - ANI (@ANI) February 27, 2019

7.20am

Two terrorists have been neutralised, according to ANI. Combing operations are underway

#UPDATE Encounter in Shopian's Memander area: Two terrorists have been neutralised. Combing operation is underway. #JammuAndKashmir pic.twitter.com/cRVtd0mDtm - ANI (@ANI) February 27, 2019

Police said security forces started a cordon and search operation in Mamender village of Shopian district following specific information about the presence of militants there.

Jammu & Kashmir: Visuals from Memander area of Shopian district where an encounter had started earlier today. Firing has stopped now. Search operation is underway. (visuals deferred by unspecified time) pic.twitter.com/ZXhPpmDHLJ - ANI (@ANI) February 27, 2019

"When the cordon around the hiding militants was tightened, they fired at the security forces triggering the ongoing encounter," police said.

7.15am

Pakistani Ambassador Maleeha Lodhi rejected as absolutely untrue the Indian claims that it hit a militant training camp, and she warned that a dangerous situation is evolving.

#Pakistani Ambassador #MaleehaLodhi called on the International community to respond because the situation could spin out of control.

https://t.co/EBObLSq4QB - Khaleej Times (@khaleejtimes) February 27, 2019

7.10am

Sushma highlights JeM's role in Pulwama attack

Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj raised the February 14 Pulwama terror attack with her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi at the 16th Russia-India-China (RIC) Foreign Ministers' Meet.



"Following the Pulwama terror attack, instead of taking seriously the calls by international community to act against Jaish-e-Mohammad, Pakistan denied any knowledge of the attack and outright dismissed claims by JeM," she said

EAM #SushmaSwaraj raises #PulwamaTerrorAttack in Jammu and Kashmir in her bilateral meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at #Wuzhen. pic.twitter.com/T2sWlHqteN - All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) February 27, 2019



"Such dastardly terrorist attacks are a grim reminder of the need of all the countries to show zero tolerance towards terrorism and take decisive action against it," she added.