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Pakistani Jet Downed in Afghanistan; Pilot Captured, Islamabad Denies Claim

Afghan forces claim to have shot down a Pakistani fighter jet in Jalalabad.

Feb 28
2 min read
Pakistani Jet Downed in Afghanistan; Pilot Captured, Islamabad Denies Claim

Top Summary

  • What happened: Afghan forces claim they shot down a Pakistani fighter jet in Jalalabad, capturing the pilot.
  • Why it matters: This escalates already high tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan following cross-border attacks.
  • What changes: Potential for further military action and heightened security along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.
  • Who is affected: Civilians in border regions, military personnel, and diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Jet Downed, Pilot Captured

A Pakistani fighter jet reportedly crashed in Jalalabad, Afghanistan, on Saturday, February 28, 2026. Afghan military and police sources claim the jet was shot down by Afghan forces and the pilot was captured alive after parachuting out.

Tayeb Hammad, a police spokesman, stated:

"A Pakistani fighter jet was shot down in the sixth district of Jalalabad city, and its pilot was captured alive."

Wahidullah Mohammadi, spokesman for the military in eastern Afghanistan, confirmed the account. An AFP journalist reported hearing a jet followed by two explosions near Jalalabad airport.

Pakistan Denies the Claim

Despite the Afghan claims, Pakistan's foreign ministry vehemently denies the incident. Tahir Hussain Andrabi, Islamabad’s foreign ministry spokesman, told AFP:

"That’s a false claim. Totally untrue."

The conflicting reports create uncertainty regarding the event and its implications.

Escalating Tensions

The alleged downing of the jet follows a series of escalating events between Pakistan and Afghanistan. On Friday, February 27th, Pakistan launched air strikes on Kabul and Kandahar.

These strikes reportedly targeted the location of Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada in Kandahar. The air strikes were preceded by a border offensive initiated by Afghan forces on Thursday, February 26th, which the Taliban government stated was a response to prior Pakistani strikes on Afghanistan.

Security Measures Increased

Following the reported exchanges of fire, security measures have been increased. Police officers are conducting vehicle checks along roads leading to the airport in Karachi, Pakistan.

The border region remains tense, and the possibility of further military action remains a serious concern.

What to Watch Next

Diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation between Pakistan and Afghanistan are crucial. Further confirmation regarding the fate of the Pakistani jet and its pilot is expected to emerge in the coming days, potentially impacting the trajectory of the conflict.