Pakistan’s military has made it clear that the country wants peace, not conflict. In a recent interview with RT Arabic, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry stated, “We are not a violent nation; we are a serious one. Our first priority is peace.”
This message comes as tensions with India reached dangerous levels following a deadly attack in Pahalgam, located in Indian-occupied Kashmir. India, without presenting evidence, accused Pakistan of orchestrating the assault. Pakistan strongly denied the claim and called for an impartial international investigation — an offer India refused.
The crisis nearly escalated into a full-scale conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. It was only after the United States stepped in that both sides agreed to a ceasefire.
Lt Gen Chaudhry revealed that the Indian defence ministry had “personally requested” a ceasefire, although it remains unclear whether that request was made to Pakistan or through U.S. mediation. “We want peace and stability,” he said. “So we responded: why not?”
The military spokesman praised the diplomatic efforts that helped de-escalate the situation, crediting Pakistan’s foreign service for its effective outreach to the global community.
Recalling the dramatic escalation on the nights of May 6–10, Lt Gen Chaudhry confirmed that India launched airstrikes on civilian areas in Punjab and Azad Kashmir, killing over 30 civilians. In response, Pakistan shot down five Indian fighter jets and intercepted dozens of drones. A few days later, when Indian missiles targeted Pakistani military installations, Islamabad responded under “Operation Bunyanum Marsoos”, striking back with precision air and missile strikes — but only on military targets.
He emphasized, “Not a single civilian was harmed in our response. It was balanced, justified, and responsible.” He added that Pakistan’s armed forces and people stood firm and united: “The enemy thought they could scare us with missiles. But we neither bow nor can be forced to bow.”
Addressing the accusations surrounding the Pahalgam attack, Gen Chaudhry criticized India for jumping to conclusions without proof. He said Indian media began blaming Pakistan almost immediately, even though the Indian government itself admitted later that an investigation was still underway.
“Where is the logic in accusing someone before the facts are known?” he asked, pointing out that Pakistan had offered to cooperate with a neutral probe — an offer India ignored before launching missile strikes that killed innocent civilians.
He reiterated Pakistan’s claim that India is actively sponsoring terrorism within the region, particularly in Balochistan and through groups like the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which Pakistan refers to as Fitna Al Khawarij.
Just last month, Pakistani security forces arrested a terror suspect in Jhelum who, according to the military, had received training from India.
Lt Gen Chaudhry closed by reaffirming the military’s commitment to protecting the nation: “Defending Pakistan’s sovereignty is our sacred duty — and we will fulfill it at any cost.”
