The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) has expressed grave concern over recent statements from sections of India’s military leadership, describing them as politically charged, factually unsound and dangerous to peace in South Asia. Coming five months after Marka-e-Haq and amid state-level elections in Bihar and West Bengal, the recycled narrative of provocation and distortion risks inflaming public sentiment and undermining regional stability.
It is a matter of deep regret that military pronouncements by a nuclear-armed neighbour appear to be driven by domestic political imperatives rather than professional judgement. Such rhetoric — loud, sensational and unsubstantiated — degrades the stature of responsible armed forces everywhere and creates a hazardous environment in which jingoism can easily overtake sober policy. Professional militaries understand that irresponsible chest-thumping and inflammatory declarations can trigger cycles of escalation with unpredictable consequences.
The contradictions and theatricality in the recent Indian press material are self-evident and do not merit elaborate refutation. Nevertheless, it must be recorded that attempts to re-write events in a manner that suits a political narrative will not alter the facts on the ground. Pakistan’s institutions, its people and its Armed Forces remain steadfast in protecting the country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and constitutional order. Our forces are professional, disciplined and fully capable of defending every inch of Pakistani soil.
While Islamabad remains committed to peace and de-escalation through dialogue and diplomacy, it will not tolerate actions or rhetoric that facilitate cross-border adventurism or endanger the lives of its citizens. Any aggression will be met with a measured, lawful and effective response proportional to the threat, in accordance with Pakistan’s right of self-defence under international law.
ISPR calls on regional actors to exercise restraint, uphold the norms of responsible statecraft and desist from politicising the armed forces for short-term electoral gains. The stability of South Asia depends on sober leadership, verifiable facts and mutual respect among neighbours. The path to lasting peace lies in dialogue, not in dramatized narratives that risk undoing hard-won stability.
