- India is ‘behind every terror act’ in Pakistan, whether in Balochistan or elsewhere: Lt Gen Chaudhry
- Urges Afghan government not to allow militants use Afghan soil for launching attacks on Pakistan
ISLAMABAD: While reiterating Pakistan commitment to peace, Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry has warned that any future aggression against the country would be met with a “more severe” response, according to the military’s media wing.
“We are peace-loving and give priority to peace. It is our first choice. But if you make this mistake again, our response will be even more intense and severe,” Lt-Gen Ahmed Sharif Ch declared while addressing a special session attended by over 2,500 students from various universities of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa on Saturday, the Inter-services Public Relations said in a statement.
The event, held in a festive atmosphere marked by nationalist slogans and songs, drew loud chants of “Long live the Pakistan Army” and “Kashmir will become Pakistan.” Students waved national flags, lauding and voicing support for the military.
Lt-Gen Chaudhry said Pakistan’s armed forces had previously responded decisively to Indian airstrikes, with more precise and resolute retaliatory strikes on 26 military installations. He referenced the death of a young boy in Muzaffarabad, saying the brigade headquarters responsible for the attack was “destroyed.”
“Our aircraft targeted only military infrastructure and installations,” he asserted, adding “We did not strike any civilian population, infrastructure, or place of worship because we believe in peace.”
The military spokesperson also accused India of sponsoring terrorism and funding militancy in Pakistan, including unrest in Balochistan and attacks by extremist groups. “There will be India’s hand in every terrorist act in Pakistan, whether in Balochistan or elsewhere,” he pointed out.
Addressing Afghan authorities, he urged not to allow militants use Afghan soil for launching attacks on Pakistan. “Do not become proxies of India,” he emphasized, adding that the problem lies with certain Afghan elites allegedly funded by New Delhi.
The DG ISPR also condemned hardline groups such as the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), accusing them of distorting Islamic teachings and seeking support from India. “You ask for help from those who violate the dignity of Kashmiri women,” he said.
Reiterating Pakistan’s long-standing stance on the Kashmir dispute, he told the audience: “The time has come again — Kashmir will become Pakistan.”
The recent military conflict between Pakistan and India came in the wake of Pahalgam attack, a tourist report in Indian-occupied Kashmir on April 22, that resulted in the killing 26 tourists. India was quick to blame Pakistan for the incident, which Pakistan categorically rejected and instead offered a credible, transparent and neutral probe to ascertain the facts.
India, however, undertook a slew of escalating moves the next day, including suspending the 65-year-old Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), cancelling visas for Pakistani citizens, closing the Wagah-Attari border crossing, ordering the shutdown of the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi, and reducing diplomatic staff at each other’s embassies.
Tensions further escalated in the early hours of May 7, when India launched missile strikes, targeting six cities in Punjab and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), destroying mosques and killing dozens of civilians, including women and children.
The confrontation intensified further in the early hours of May 10 when Pakistani armed forces responded “decisively and resolutely” to Indian missile strikes on three of its airbases and launch of drone attack.
Pakistan’s armed forces shot down six Indian warplanes, including three Rafale jets.
Pakistan launched Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, targeting Indian military installations used for launching attacks on the former’s territory, including missile storage depots, airbases, and other strategic sites.
US President Donald Trump announced that a ceasefire had been reached following intense diplomatic efforts overnight. Minutes later, the agreement was confirmed separately by Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and the Indian foreign secretary.
