Pakistan Army warns India: We will respond decisively to any aggression

Rawalpindi: After India’s provocative actions in the wake of the Pahalgam attack that killed 26 tourists, the Pakistan Army has vowed to respond "decisively and surely" to any Indian attempt to escalate tensions or provoke war.

This message came during a Special Corps Commanders’ Conference (CCC) led by Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi.

Tensions between Pakistan and India have increased since the April 22 attack in Pahalgam, a popular tourist spot in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), which left 26 people dead. India blamed Pakistan for the attack without providing any evidence, and responded by taking several measures against Pakistan. These included suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, revoking visas for Pakistanis, and closing the Wagah-Attari border.

In response, Pakistan expelled Indian diplomats and military advisers, canceled Indian visas (except for Sikh pilgrims), and closed its main border crossing. Pakistan has denied any involvement in the attack and called for a fair investigation.

At the military conference, the top brass of Pakistan’s armed forces reviewed the situation, with a special focus on the ongoing standoff with India. The military reaffirmed its determination to protect Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity from any threats or aggression.

The Army Chief praised the professionalism, strong morale, and operational readiness of the Pakistani military. He emphasized the importance of maintaining vigilance and preparedness at all levels.

The forum also raised concerns about the worsening situation in IIOJK, where India continues its oppressive actions. Pakistan’s military expressed its grave concern over the escalating violence against civilians and Indian forces’ attacks along the Line of Control (LoC). The Army stated that these unjustified actions would be met with a firm and proportional response.

The meeting also highlighted India’s history of exploiting crises for political and military gain. Pakistan’s military pointed out that India has often used such situations to shift attention away from its internal problems. A similar pattern was seen in 2019 when India used the Pulwama attack as a pretext to alter the status of IIOJK by revoking Article 370 of the Indian Constitution.

The military believes the Pahalgam attack may be part of a deliberate strategy by India to divert Pakistan’s attention from its efforts to stabilize the western border and focus on its economic revival. Pakistan has been making significant progress on both fronts, and India’s tactics aim to disrupt this progress and give space for Indian-backed militants.

Additionally, the forum expressed serious concern over India’s use of the Pahalgam incident to undermine the Indus Waters Treaty. Pakistan’s military views this as an attempt to take control of Pakistan’s vital water resources, threatening the livelihoods of over 240 million people in the country. This could destabilize the region even further.

The forum also raised alarm over credible evidence that India’s military and intelligence agencies have been involved in supporting terrorist activities in Pakistan. These actions violate international laws and norms, and Pakistan has condemned them as unacceptable.

Despite these challenges, the military made it clear that Pakistan’s path to peace and development will not be hindered by terrorism, pressure, or aggression, whether directly or through proxies. Pakistan’s military is committed to confronting and defeating any attempts to destabilize the country.

In conclusion, the forum expressed confidence in the operational readiness, deterrence posture, and morale of Pakistan’s armed forces. The military stands united and resolute in defending the nation against all threats.