Key points
- India requested ceasefire following recent escalations: Chaudhry
- Spokesperson says Pakistan agreed to truce in the interest of peace and stability
- Pakistan’s military response was “measured, responsible and proportionate”: spokesperson
ISLAMABAD: Director general of Pakistan Army’s media wing, Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, has accused India of hiding behind a false narrative to distort facts and divert attention from its alleged acts of aggression and sponsorship of terrorism in Pakistan.
In an exclusive interview with RT Arabia, the Inter-Services Public Relations Director General revealed that it was the Indian Ministry of Defence that requested a ceasefire following recent cross-border escalations, to which Pakistan agreed in the interest of peace and stability.
“To understand the current escalation, one must consider the broader context of India-Pakistan relations,” said the army spokesperson.
He alleged that India was backing terrorist activities in the region, particularly in Pakistan, and was using “false narratives” to conceal the truth.
Accusations without investigation
He pointed specifically to the recent incident in Pahalgam, stating that Indian media and social media outlets began blaming Pakistan just minutes after the event occurred.
“Two days later, India’s Foreign Ministry admitted the investigation was still ongoing,” he said. “What wisdom lies in making accusations without investigation or evidence?” he questioned.
Lt Gen Chaudhry stated that Pakistan offered to cooperate and called for any evidence to be shared with a neutral, independent body.
However, he said that India rejected this offer and instead launched unilateral attacks on Pakistani territory, targeting mosques and resulting in the deaths of civilians, including children, women, and the elderly.
“True patron of terrorism”
“India is the true patron of terrorism in Pakistan—whether it is extremist elements or terrorist groups active in Balochistan,” he said.
The military spokesperson emphasised the duty of Pakistan’s armed forces to defend the nation’s sovereignty and borders. “We have fulfilled this responsibility and will continue to do so at any cost,” he declared.
He stated that Pakistan responded to Indian aggression on the night of May 6 and 7, when missiles were fired into Pakistani territory. In retaliation, Pakistan’s Air Force shot down five Indian aircraft. “The nation and armed forces stood united like an iron wall,” he added.
Intimidation attempts
According to Lt Gen Chaudhry, India launched additional missile attacks on the night of May 9 and 10 in an attempt to intimidate Pakistan.
“India forgot that Pakistan’s nation and its military never bow down and never will,” he asserted.
On the morning of May 10, Pakistan responded with what he described as a “measured, responsible, and proportionate” military action, targeting only Indian military sites while avoiding any civilian harm.
Following this exchange, DG ISPR claimed that a spokesperson from India’s Ministry of Defence requested a ceasefire. “We are in favour of peace and stability, so we responded positively,” he said.
Wisdom and effectiveness
He praised Pakistan’s diplomatic corps for engaging the international community with wisdom and effectiveness during the crisis. “We are not a violent nation. We are a serious nation. Our top priority is peace,” said Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif.
He added that major powers, including the United States, understand the spirit and resilience of the Pakistani people.
