DG ISPR warns escalation with India could be 'recipe for mutual destruction'

Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry cautioned that any serious escalation between the two nuclear-armed neighbours could have catastrophic consequences. “The world now recognises the extent of the nuclear threat—any sane player, like the USA, understands this absurdity and what the Indians are trying to do here,” he said. Speaking to Sky News on Thursday, DG ISPR stated: "If India thinks that it can carve out a space for war between India and Pakistan, it is actually a recipe for carving out mutual destruction." He warned India of a "swift and assured response" if it violated the ceasefire with Pakistan, adding that any serious escalation between the nuclear-armed neighbours would lead to mutual destruction. Read more: Ceasefire request came from India, says DG ISPR The warning comes after a week of heightened military confrontation, including missile strikes, drone incursions and cross-border fire, triggered by a deadly attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) that killed 26 tourists. India blamed Pakistan for the assault without presenting any evidence, a claim Islamabad strongly denied. Accusing India of attempting to "internalise" the Kashmir issue and "harassing" the local population through a heavy troop presence, the DG ISPR noted that "this is a problem that must be resolved by the people of Kashmir, in accordance with the United Nations Security Council resolutions." The chief military spokesperson warned that any violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty would meet a harsh military response. “Anyone who tries to violate our territory, integrity or sovereignty — our response will be brutal,” he said. A full and immediate ceasefire between India and Pakistan was announced on May 10, following several days of intense military exchanges that brought the two nuclear-armed neighbors to the brink of war. The announcement was first made by US President Donald Trump and was later confirmed by Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Tensions had sharply escalated after a deadly attack on April 22 in Pahalgam, located in IIOJK, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians. India accused Pakistan-based elements of orchestrating the attack—a claim Islamabad categorically denied. Read more: Pakistan never considered nuclear option during clashes with India: Dar On May 6–7, India launched strikes against Pakistan, reportedly resulting in civilian casualties. In response, the Pakistan Air Force claimed a significant milestone by securing a Beyond Visual Range (BVR) combat victory, downing five Indian fighter jets, including three Rafale aircraft. Despite repeated warnings from the Pakistani government, Indian forces continued provocative actions, including frequent drone incursions into Pakistani territory. These developments culminated in Pakistan's military launching Operation Bunyanum Marsoos on the night of May 9–10, targeting at least 26 military installations inside India. Amid the rapidly deteriorating situation, diplomatic efforts—led by the United States and supported by Saudi Arabia and other international actors—helped de-escalate the conflict. Both sides eventually agreed to cease hostilities and halt further military activity.

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