Pakistan’s military issued a stern warning Saturday, stating that any future confrontation with India could result in catastrophic consequences, vowing an unrestricted response to what it described as provocative statements from Indian leadership.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Pakistan’s military spokesperson, released the statement following recent remarks by senior Indian military and civilian officials, declaring that Pakistan would respond “resolutely, without any qualms or restraint” if hostilities were initiated.
Escalating Rhetoric
The warning comes after Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi reportedly told Pakistan to cease what he termed state-sponsored terrorism or risk losing its territorial integrity. According to Indian media reports, the general suggested Indian forces would exercise no restraint in future operations, suggesting the possibility of military action.
Indian Air Force Chief Amar Preet Singh also made unsubstantiated claims of shooting down five Pakistani fighter jets during fighting between the two nations in May. Meanwhile, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh declared this week that Indian forces possess both the weapons and determination to confront any challenge.
Pakistan’s Response
In its statement, the ISPR countered that Pakistan would “shatter the myth of geographic immunity” by targeting areas throughout Indian territory. The military warned that discussions of eliminating Pakistan from the map should recognize that “the erasure will be mutual.”
The statement emphasized that Pakistan has established what it calls a “new normal of response” that would be “swift, decisive and destructive,” asserting the military’s capability to engage enemy forces across their entire territory.
Historical Context
The tensions follow a four-day conflict in May that brought the nuclear-armed neighbors to the brink of major war. That confrontation, described as the worst between the countries in decades, began after an attack on Hindu tourists in Kashmir that India attributed to Pakistan without providing evidence. Pakistan has rejected these allegations and questioned India’s version of events.
The May conflict involved extensive use of fighter jets, missiles, artillery and drones, resulting in dozens of casualties before a ceasefire was agreed upon. Both nations have disputed the extent of military losses, with conflicting claims about aircraft destroyed during the engagement.
New Military Capabilities
Following the May conflict, Pakistan announced the creation of the Army Rocket Force Command in August—a new military branch dedicated to developing long-range conventional strike capabilities. This unit is tasked with operating ballistic, cruise, and potentially hypersonic missiles designed to strike targets deep within enemy territory without resorting to nuclear weapons.
The formation of this new command reflects lessons learned from the May confrontation, where Pakistan Air Force operations played a decisive role in the country’s favor.
Regional Implications
The ISPR characterized recent Indian statements as delusional and jingoistic, suggesting they represent attempts to fabricate pretexts for aggression. The military warned that such developments could have serious consequences for peace and stability throughout South Asia.
Both nations possess nuclear arsenals, making the escalating rhetoric particularly concerning for regional and global security.
