Recently, the Director General of ISPR, Lieutenant General Chaudhry Ahmed Sharif, gave a significant and timely interview in which he shed detailed light on India’s state-sponsored terrorism and Pakistan’s nuclear defence strategy. The statement issued by the military spokesperson not only boosts the confidence of the Pakistani public but also serves as a warning to the international community about who the real obstacle to peace in South Asia is. According to Lieutenant General Chaudhry Ahmed Sharif, India has adopted terrorism against Pakistan as an organised state policy. In particular, Indian interference in Balochistan has increasingly drawn global attention. The Indian intelligence agency RAW is not only providing financial and military support to separatist elements but is also waging a propaganda war to incite unrest in Balochistan. Pakistan’s security agencies have time and again presented clear evidence to the international community showing India’s involvement in terrorist activities, attacks on sensitive installations, and the targeting of civilians in Balochistan.
India’s policy is not only a violation of the UN Charter but also jeopardises the peaceful future of South Asia.
The arrest of Kulbhushan Jadhav is a living example – a serving officer in the Indian Navy and an agent of RAW – who was involved in planning terrorist activities in Pakistan. Now, BLA terrorists are trying to promote ethnic hatred by targeting innocent Punjabis.
State-sponsored terrorism does not merely aim to destabilise a rival country; its scope is much broader. When a state itself promotes terrorism, it ceases to be just a bilateral issue and becomes a threat to regional and ultimately global peace and security. India’s policy is not only a violation of the UN Charter but also jeopardises the peaceful future of South Asia. The unfortunate reality is that world powers, due to their political and economic interests, are turning a blind eye to India’s actions – a clear reflection of their double standards.
The DG ISPR has adopted a clear stance that Pakistan is a responsible nuclear power. Pakistan’s nuclear program is solely for defensive purposes and is a guarantee of maintaining the balance of power in the region. It is an invincible, secure, and fully controlled system that operates strictly in line with national security principles. Pakistan has never used its nuclear capability for aggression, nor does it intend to do so.
In contrast, Pakistan has always maintained its nuclear weapons under the doctrine of “Minimum Credible Deterrence” to prevent the enemy from daring to act adventurously. Today, Pakistan’s nuclear program not only acts as a deterrent against enemies but also strengthens the nation’s confidence domestically. After Pakistan’s successful nuclear tests in the mountains of Chaghi in 1998, a clear message was delivered: we will never compromise on our sovereignty and national security. The nuclear capability has made Pakistan invincible and has played a key role in deterring any major Indian aggression. If Pakistan lacked this capability, the enemy might have launched multiple attacks by now. Lieutenant General Chaudhry Ahmed Sharif also confirmed that Pakistan’s defence system is fully operational, professional, and capable of dealing with all threats. The Pakistan Army, Air Force, Navy, and intelligence agencies are ever vigilant and prepared. In recent years, advancements in cybersecurity and modern technology have further strengthened our defence infrastructure. After suffering defeat in direct warfare, India is now resorting to a proxy war. The primary target of India’s state terrorism is Balochistan, which it perceives as a “soft target.” India is actively engaged in a conspiracy to separate Balochistan from Pakistan by arming, funding, training, and providing propaganda support to various separatist groups. However, the truth is that the people of Balochistan – whether Baloch or Pashtun – stand firmly with the Pakistani armed forces and the state. Despite India’s efforts, projects like CPEC and Gwadar are progressing successfully, proving the failure of India’s plans.
Now is the time for the international community to take notice of India’s state-sponsored terrorism. Those who claim to uphold human rights, peace, and sovereignty must abandon their double standards and put pressure on India to maintain peace in South Asia. Pakistan has repeatedly stated its desire for peace in the region, but it will never compromise on its sovereignty. The recent conflict with India has reaffirmed to the nation that our defence is in safe hands. It is not only the army’s responsibility but also the duty of the entire nation to contribute to the protection of national security, unity, and sovereignty.
Responding to enemy propaganda on social media with responsibility, maintaining trust in the Pakistan Armed Forces, and strengthening the national narrative are our collective responsibilities. Pakistan is a responsible nuclear power, and its position against Indian terrorism is clear and firm. We are proud of our armed forces, our institutions, and our defence system.
This is the time for national unity – to respond to every act of propaganda, conspiracy, and aggression with strength, and to tell the world that Pakistan desires peace but is willing to go to any extent to protect its sovereignty.
The writer is a freelance columnist.