New Delhi:  A day after Pakistan’s attempts of using its Air Force to target military installations in India in response to Indian counter-terrorism operations were foiled leaving one Indian Air Force pilot in Pakistani custody; Wing Commander’s father has issued a statement thanking the countrymen for bestowing their blessings and wishes.

The father of Wing Commander, who is an Indian Air Force veteran, said “Thank you my friends for your concern and wishes. I thank God for his blessings, my son is alive, not injured, sound in mind ,just look at the way he talked so bravely...a true soldier...we are so proud of him”.

“I am sure all your hands n blessings are on his head  , prayers for his safe return, I pray that he does not get tortured, and comes home safe n sound in body and mind” he said.

He further said “Thank you all for being with us in this hour of need. We draw our strengths from your support and energy”.

Pakistan has used its Air Force to target military installations in India in response to Indian counter-terrorism operations but their attempts were foiled successfully though one Indian pilot is "missing in action", External Affairs Ministry said on Wednesday.

"Against this Counter Terrorism Action, Pakistan has responded this morning by using its Air Force to target military installations on the Indian side. Due to our high state of readiness and alertness, Pakistan's attempts were foiled successfully," Kumar said.
He said the Pakistan Air Force was detected and the Indian Air Force responded instantly.

"In that aerial engagement, one Pakistan Air Force fighter aircraft was shot down by a MiG 21 Bison of the Indian Air Force. The Pakistani aircraft was seen by ground forces falling from the sky on the Pakistan side.