ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s military on Sunday condemned what it called “delusional, provocative and jingoistic” statements by elements of the Indian security establishment and warned that any new misadventure would be met with a swift, decisive and destructive response.
In an official statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said the remarks from Indian political and military leaders were “misleading, inflammatory and bellicose,” and described them as an irresponsible attempt to manufacture pretexts for aggression.
The ISPR warned these statements risk undermining peace and stability in South Asia and said Pakistan would not hesitate to respond robustly if provoked.
The statement said India’s recent actions this year had already brought “two nuclear powers to the brink of a large-scale war,” and reminded New Delhi of the damage suffered by its aircraft and of Pakistan’s long-range strike capabilities.
“If a fresh round of hostilities is triggered, Pakistan shall not hold back. We shall resolutely respond, without any qualms or restraint,” the ISPR said, adding that Pakistan’s response “this time will be swift, decisive and destructive.”
The military spokesman also accused India of portraying itself as a victim for decades while allegedly fomenting violence and instability in the region. The ISPR cautioned that further escalation could have catastrophic consequences for the subcontinent and beyond, invoking the logic of mutually assured destruction as a sobering risk.
The ISPR concluded by stressing that Pakistan possesses the capability and resolve to take the fight “to every nook and corner of the enemy’s territory” if required, and warned that any attempt to “erase” Pakistan would produce devastating, mutual consequences.
The statement urged restraint and warned that inflammatory rhetoric could have grave implications for regional security.
