RAWALPINDI — Pakistan’s nuclear capability is not only fully secure but also invincible, and any attempt to challenge it would be “sheer stupidity,” the country’s top military spokesperson has cautioned.
In a wide-ranging interview with Al Jazeera, Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry sounded a clear warning against hostile intentions, particularly from India, which he accused of pursuing an organised campaign of state-sponsored terrorism aimed at destabilising Pakistan—especially Balochistan.
“India is not just supporting, but financing terrorism inside Pakistan,” Gen Chaudhry stated, referencing last month’s deadly blast in Waziristan in which 16 soldiers were martyred. The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) had claimed responsibility, which the general referred to as part of the wider threat he called Fitna al-Khawarij.
Explaining the terminology, the ISPR chief said that ‘Fitna al-Khawarij’ denotes extremist groups that have taken up arms against the Pakistani state under distorted religious ideologies. “These groups follow a deviant mindset that has long led to violence against Muslims under the guise of religion. They have no link to Islam, Pakistan, or humanity,” he said.
He also introduced another term — Fitna al-Hindustan — used for militants allegedly backed by India to spread chaos within Pakistan’s borders. “The goal is to disrupt peace, particularly in Balochistan, and weaken Pakistan internally,” he claimed.
Lt Gen Chaudhry did not mince words in accusing India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval of masterminding what he called an “aggressive and institutionalised terror campaign” against Pakistan. “Even Indian political leaders have publicly acknowledged their interference in Pakistan’s internal affairs,” he said, adding that global powers like the United States and Canada have also raised concerns about Indian involvement in cross-border acts of terror.
Nuclear Deterrence and Regional Peace
Responding to questions about Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal, Gen Chaudhry said the country’s deterrence is solid and well-guarded. “Our nuclear programme is not only safe but also undefeatable. No one should be under the illusion that it can be targeted or neutralised,” he said.
He added that Pakistan, as a responsible nuclear state, exercises great caution, but any miscalculation or adventurism by others would trigger consequences that “the world may not be able to endure.”
“There’s a sea of difference between Pakistan and the countries recently facing aggression. We are a declared nuclear power. The international community knows well that misadventures against such a state are not only reckless but catastrophic.”
He reiterated, “To seek military conflict with a nuclear-armed country for vague, short-sighted objectives is not just absurd—it’s outright madness.”
Support for Iran and Regional Dynamics
When asked about Pakistan’s stance amid rising tensions in the region, particularly involving Iran, Gen Chaudhry said Islamabad’s position remains principled and rooted in international norms.
“Pakistan’s support for Iran, especially in the recent crisis, has been based on the UN Charter, international law, and the laws of armed conflict,” he clarified.
Dismissing speculation that Pakistan could be the next target in a broader regional confrontation, he said there was “absolutely no concern” within the military establishment.
