ISLAMABAD: Recent reports circulating in segments of Indian media havesparked widespread concern by suggesting that India and Afghanistan mightlaunch a joint military offensive against Pakistan in the current year.These claims, part of a broader pattern of provocative narratives aimed atescalating regional instability. The timing of such assertions coincideswith heightened border frictions and ongoing counter-terrorism operations,prompting a measured yet resolute reaction from Pakistan’s militaryleadership. This development has once again brought the fragile dynamicsamong the three neighboring countries into sharp international focus,raising questions about potential miscalculations that could lead tobroader conflict.
The statement attributed to Director General Inter-Services PublicRelations (DG ISPR) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry has emerged asthe centerpiece of Pakistan’s official position. In a pointed rebuttal tothe purported media claims, he reportedly declared that if such an attackwere to materialize, Pakistan stands fully prepared to confront bothadversaries simultaneously. His words, “Come and attack together, Pakistanwill fulfill the desires of both of you,” underscore a tone of unwaveringconfidence in the country’s defensive capabilities. This response isdesigned to deter aggression while reinforcing national resolve, reflectingthe armed forces’ readiness after years of experience in handlingmulti-front security challenges.
Pakistan’s military posture is informed by a series of recent developmentsthat have strained relations with both India and Afghanistan. In 2025, thecountry witnessed unprecedented intensity in counter-terrorism efforts,with security forces conducting thousands of operations primarily targetinggroups operating from across the western border. Lieutenant GeneralChaudhry has repeatedly emphasized that Afghanistan has become asignificant base for terrorist activities directed against Pakistan, withforeign nationals involved in major incidents throughout the past year.These assertions are supported by recovered evidence linking attacks tosanctuaries and support structures in Afghan territory, highlighting thecomplexities of cross-border militancy.
Tensions with India have persisted despite a fragile ceasefire followingthe brief but intense military exchanges in May 2025. That episode involvedallegations of missile and drone strikes, with both sides accusing theother of initiating hostilities. Pakistan maintained that its air defensesystems effectively neutralized threats, while denying any role inescalation. The incident underscored the risks of rapid deterioration inbilateral ties, particularly when linked to terrorism in Kashmir or otherdisputed areas. Recent assessments by international think tanks, includingthe Council on Foreign Relations, have warned of a moderate likelihood ofrenewed armed conflict between India and Pakistan in 2026, driven byunresolved grievances and potential trigger events.
Simultaneously, Pakistan’s relations with the Taliban-led administration inAfghanistan remain strained due to persistent cross-border militantactivities. Reports indicate that groups such as the Tehrik-i-TalibanPakistan continue to find operational freedom across the Durand Line,leading to frequent exchanges of fire and airstrikes. The DG ISPR hasconsistently maintained that Pakistan seeks peace but will not toleratethreats to its sovereignty. In this context, the alleged Indian medianarrative of a joint assault is viewed as an attempt to exploit theseexisting fault lines, potentially aiming to create psychological pressureon Islamabad amid its ongoing internal security operations.
Pakistan’s armed forces have repeatedly demonstrated their capability torespond decisively to multi-domain threats. The 2025 counter-terrorismcampaign marked a landmark year, with significant gains in neutralizinghigh-value targets and dismantling networks. Officials point to improvedintelligence coordination and operational precision as key factorscontributing to these successes. The military’s messaging emphasizes thatany external adventurism would be met with proportionate and overwhelmingforce, drawing on lessons from past conflicts and the current strategicenvironment.
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The international community continues to monitor these developmentsclosely, given the nuclear dimensions involved. Analysts note thatprovocative statements from any side risk unintended escalation in a regionalready burdened by historical animosities and contemporary securitydilemmas. Pakistan has called for restraint and dialogue, while firmlyrejecting narratives that portray it as the aggressor. As speculationpersists, the focus remains on whether diplomatic channels can prevent thetranslation of media claims into actual confrontation.
Source:https://www.dawn.com/news/1965440/dg-ispr-says-afghans-involved-in-major-terrorist-incidents-in-pakistan-in-2025
Tags: Pakistan, India, Afghanistan, ISPR, Council on Foreign Relations
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