Pakistan Terms Nuclear War with India as ‘Sheer Stupidity’: DG ISPR

ISLAMABAD, May 21 (Alliance News): Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, has categorically dismissed the idea of a nuclear conflict between Pakistan and India as “sheer stupidity” and an “absurd notion,” emphasizing that such a confrontation would result in mutual destruction.

In an interview with a British media outlet following the recent 87-hour military standoff between the two nuclear-armed nations, the military spokesperson said that while Pakistan seeks peace, it is fully prepared to defend itself if war is imposed. He warned India against promoting false narratives of war, stating, “India is playing with fire.”

General Chaudhry criticized the Indian government’s “arrogance” and its attempts to fuel conflict instead of addressing the root causes of tension, particularly the unresolved Kashmir dispute. He added that a volatile dispute like Kashmir could flare up at any moment, and India’s provocative actions could lead to serious consequences.

Rejecting Indian accusations of Pakistan’s involvement in the recent Pahalgam attack that killed 26 tourists in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), the DG ISPR said that Pakistan would take action if credible evidence is provided. He pointed out the lack of accountability within India for the security lapse that led to the attack.

Responding to India’s aggression on the night of May 6-7, Pakistan launched “Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos,” a large-scale retaliatory military response. General Chaudhry confirmed that six Indian fighter jets, including three Rafale aircraft, and dozens of drones were downed in what were described as “precise and proportionate” strikes targeting Indian military sites across multiple regions.

The conflict ended on May 10 with a ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States. DG ISPR said Pakistan views the truce as a celebration of peace, not military victory.

When asked about potential backchannel diplomacy, General Chaudhry stated that such matters are handled by the Foreign Ministry and that the military does not involve itself in politics or diplomatic negotiations.

He concluded that Pakistan demonstrated maturity by not escalating the situation further and reiterated the country’s commitment to regional peace and stability.