Pakistan Desires Peace, But Fully Prepared If War Is Imposed by India: DG ISPR

Pakistan Desires Peace, But Fully Prepared If War Is Imposed by India: DG ISPR

Rawalpindi: Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, has stated that while Pakistan seeks peace in the region, it remains fully prepared to respond if India imposes war. He warned that a nuclear conflict between Pakistan and India would be a foolish move, pushing both nations toward destruction.

In an interview with a British media outlet, DG ISPR emphasized that both countries are nuclear powers, and recently, efforts have been made within India to create an environment conducive to military confrontation. “This is like playing with fire,” he said.

He added that Pakistan demonstrated great restraint during the recent tensions and prevented the situation from escalating further. “Pakistan has always preferred peace, but if India chooses war, we are ready to respond.”

When asked about backchannel contacts with India, General Chaudhry expressed unawareness and said such matters fall under the jurisdiction of the Foreign Ministry.

He revealed that Pakistan had shot down six Indian fighter jets during military engagements and could have inflicted further damage but opted for a mature and calculated approach. “India could not stop us when we responded decisively.”

DG ISPR also disclosed that on the night of May 6 and 7, India’s Director General of Military Operations contacted Pakistan, but Pakistan made it clear that dialogue would take place only after delivering its response. “After our response on May 10, the Indian military spokesperson appeared on TV and stated that they did not wish to escalate the conflict.”

He further said that India’s request for a ceasefire was influenced by the intervention of then U.S. President Donald Trump and other international players.

Responding to another question, he called India’s claim of informing Pakistan in advance of a strike “laughable.” “We do not rely on Indian intelligence. We know exactly what India is doing and why. We remain alert and fully prepared.”

DG ISPR rejected India’s narrative that it targeted JeM hideouts in Bahawalpur, Muridke, and Muzaffarabad, stating that the locations attacked were actually mosques.

He reiterated Pakistan’s strong opposition to terrorism, saying, “Terrorism has no religion. If anyone has evidence of any Pakistani citizen involved in terrorism, they should share it with us—we will take action ourselves.”

Regarding the incident in the Indian-occupied Kashmir region of Pahalgam, he questioned why no one in India was asking how such a massive security lapse occurred.