Pakistan’s air defense system shot down an Indian drone early Thursday in the eastern city of Lahore, according to Pakistani officials, as India evacuated thousands of people from villages near the two countries' highly militarized frontier in the disputed region of Kashmir.

India's action followed the deadly attack on tourists in Kashmir's Pahalgam a fortnight ago. As many as 26 people, mostly tourists, were gunned down by terrorists after asking about their religion.

India delivered a powerful retaliatory play on Thursday evening as Pakistan attempted an airstrike targeting Jammu and Kashmir region. On May 8, the government announced that the Indian Armed Forces had neutralised an air defence system in Lahore.