ISLAMABAD — The Pakistan Army on Saturday strongly condemned what itdescribed as “provocative and jingoistic statements” by senior Indiansecurity officials, warning that renewed conflict between the twonuclear-armed neighbours could lead to “cataclysmic devastation.”
In a forceful statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations(ISPR), Pakistan accused the Indian leadership of attempting to manufacturearbitrary pretexts for aggression that would have “serious consequences forpeace and stability in South Asia.” The ISPR said recent comments fromIndian military and defence officials follow a period of heightenedtensions — including a four-day armed confrontation in May — and riskfurther destabilising the region.
The statement came after Indian Air Force Chief Amar Preet Singh claimed atan annual press conference that India had downed five Pakistani fighterjets — of the F-16 and JF-17 classes — during the May fighting. Singh toldreporters his forces had “evidence of one long range strike…along withthat five fighters, high-tech fighters between F-16 and JF-17 class,” buthe did not release supporting proof.
Pakistan’s military rejected those claims and criticised India forportraying itself as a victim while, the ISPR said, “stoking violence andperpetrating terrorism in South Asia and beyond.” “That narrative has beendebunked,” the statement said, adding that the international communityincreasingly recognises India as “the true face of cross-border terrorismand the epi-centre of regional instability.”
Referring to earlier incidents this year, the ISPR warned that Indianactions had previously brought “two nuclear powers to the brink of a majorwar,” and accused Indian leaders of ignoring “the wreckage of its fighterjets and the wrath of Pakistan’s long-range vectors.”
The Pakistan military cautioned that recent rhetoric by India’s defenceminister and service chiefs risked a fresh round of hostilities that “mightlead to cataclysmic devastation.” It stressed that Pakistan “shall not holdback” and “shall resolutely respond, without any qualms or restraint” ifhostilities are triggered.
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The ISPR further said that those attempting to create a “new normal” shouldknow Pakistan has itself established a new posture of response — “swift,decisive and destructive.” The statement asserted the armed forces andpeople of Pakistan have the capability and resolve “to take the fight toevery nook and corner of the enemy’s territory” and would “shatter the mythof geographic immunity, hitting the farthest reaches of the Indianterritory.”
Addressing incendiary talk about erasing Pakistan from the map, the ISPRadded pointedly that “if the situation comes, the erasure will be mutual.”
Analysts say the exchange underscores the fragility of India–Pakistanrelations, where military posturing and public rhetoric risk escalatingincidents into wider conflict. Both nations possess nuclear arsenals andmaintain sizeable conventional forces along the de facto border in Jammuand Kashmir, making restraint and diplomatic channels critical duringperiods of tension.
The international community has repeatedly urged de-escalation andrestraint from both sides. Whether the latest statements lead to furtherdeterioration or prompt renewed diplomatic engagement remains to be seen.