Pakistan military leadership has issued a stark warning that India is “playing with fire” through its aggressive posturing, while simultaneously emphasizing that nuclear conflict between the neighbors would be “unthinkable folly.” Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chowdhury, Director General of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), articulated this delicate balance during a comprehensive BBC interview addressing the recent escalation between the nuclear-armed rivals.
Chowdhury described Pakistan’s approach as one of “extreme maturity” in handling recent crises, including February’s aerial skirmishes that saw both sides claim downed aircraft. While asserting Pakistan’s constant readiness for war, he stressed their preference for peace, noting the catastrophic consequences any nuclear exchange would bring. “It’s a path to mutual destruction that no rational actor would contemplate,” Chowdhury stated, while accusing India of manufacturing confrontational narratives for domestic political gain.
The military spokesperson provided Pakistan’s detailed account of recent clashes, including the nighttime engagements of May 6-7 when Pakistani forces reportedly downed six Indian aircraft. Chowdhury framed this as a measured demonstration of capability rather than maximalist retaliation, claiming Pakistan deliberately limited its response to avoid uncontrolled escalation. He credited international mediation, particularly U.S. involvement, with helping de-escalate tensions after these exchanges.
Addressing India’s claims about targeting terrorist camps in Bahawalpur, Chowdhury dismissed these as recycled falsehoods, challenging New Delhi to provide verifiable evidence. He defended Pakistani military officials’ attendance at funerals for individuals India associates with banned groups, framing this as honoring national martyrs rather than endorsing terrorism. “We answer to the Pakistani people, not to Indian dictates,” he asserted, while maintaining Pakistan’s willingness to investigate any credible terrorism links involving its citizens.
The interview revealed the complex dynamics shaping this enduring rivalry, where both nuclear deterrence and conventional military posturing interact with information warfare and diplomatic maneuvering. Chowdhury’s remarks highlighted Pakistan’s narrative of responsible restraint contrasted with what he characterized as India’s reckless brinkmanship, while leaving the door open to backchannel communications that might prevent future crises from spiraling out of control.
As tensions persist, the ISPR chief’s comments underscore the volatile nature of South Asian geopolitics, where historical grievances, competing territorial claims, and nuclear capabilities create persistent instability. His warning about sparks potentially igniting broader conflict reflects the precarious balance maintained through a combination of military preparedness and last-minute diplomatic interventions that have repeatedly pulled both nations back from the brink.
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