India using terrorism for political gains: DG ISPR | The Express Tribune

The Director General of Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, is addressing the international media amid escalating tensions between Pakistan and India, raising concerns over India’s swift blame assignment following a recent incident.

Speaking at a joint press conference in Islamabad on Friday, Lt Gen Chaudhry was joined by Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Director General Public Relations (DGPR) Air Vice Marshal Aurangzeb Ahmed, and Deputy Chief of Naval Staff (Operations) Rear Admiral Raja Rab Nawaz.

The senior military officials briefed media on the evolving situation at the Line of Control (LoC) and the broader regional implications. Pakistan’s military strongly rejected Indian accusations over the Pahalgam attack, warning that New Delhi’s actions risk destabilising regional peace.

Lt Gen Chaudhry questioned how Indian authorities managed to identify the alleged perpetrators within just ten minutes of the incident. “This pattern of immediate blame without evidence has become a habit for India,” he said, adding that Pakistan had formally offered a transparent and neutral investigation by a third party—an offer that remains unanswered by New Delhi.

He said that one of the objectives of the attack and India’s reaction is to divert Pakistan’s security forces from ongoing counterterrorism operations. “The government of Pakistan and its security institutions are daily tightening the noose around India-sponsored terrorism,” he asserted.

The ISPR chief also revealed that 33 Pakistani civilians have been martyred and 62 others injured as a result of Indian aggression. “That’s the cost we have paid,” he said solemnly. “Each and every drop of blood is in the conscience of the armed forces, the people, and the state of Pakistan.”

He said that India was frustrated over the reported downing of French-made Rafale fighter jets by Pakistan, claiming that such actions by India put global peace at risk. “India has a history of using terrorism for political objectives,” he said, accusing New Delhi of targeting innocent Kashmiris and manipulating such incidents to distract from internal crises.

DG ISPR also presented videos of residents from Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), who questioned their own government’s security lapses and labelled the Pahalgam attack a staged event.

He further claimed that India is actively involved in terror financing and cross-border terrorism, not just in Pakistan but also in countries like Canada. He added that terrorist camps are operating within India’s borders, and that Indian officials themselves have acknowledged sponsoring militants in Balochistan.

“India supports groups such as Fitna al Khawarij”—a term used for the outlawed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP)—he said, calling on the international community to hold New Delhi accountable.

Refuting claims of rocket or drone attacks by Pakistan, Lt Gen Chaudhry maintained that retaliatory action was limited to Indian military posts firing at civilian areas along the Line of Control (LoC). “Pakistan has not used drones or rockets. If India claims otherwise, let it present evidence,” he challenged, criticising Indian media for spreading “fabricated stories.”

The DG ISPR also condemned what he described as India’s ongoing cross-border aggression, accusing Indian forces of deliberately targeting civilians, including women and children, in recent incidents. “India’s baseless aggression must end,” he said, reaffirming that Pakistan will defend its sovereignty and dignity at all costs.

Pakistan’s military leadership reiterated its commitment to peace but warned against continued provocations, urging international observers to take note of the situation.

This story is being updated.