ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s military leadership has issued a strong rebuke of India’s alleged involvement in terrorism within Pakistani territory, particularly in the restive province of Balochistan, while asserting the full security and invulnerability of the country’s nuclear assets.
In an exclusive interview with Al Jazeera, Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, accused India of using terrorism as a strategic instrument of its foreign policy. He claimed New Delhi has been backing armed groups to destabilize Pakistan, describing it as a “systematic conspiracy” targeting national cohesion.
“India’s intelligence agencies, especially under the guidance of Ajit Doval, are behind terrorist incidents in Pakistan,” the military spokesperson alleged. “Balochistan remains a key focus of this subversive campaign, where India-backed outfits seek to disrupt peace and development.”
These remarks follow a deadly suicide bombing in North Waziristan last month that killed 16 Pakistani soldiers and injured over 20 others. The banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claimed responsibility, but Pakistan maintains that Indian financial and operational support plays a key role in such attacks.
Lt Gen Chaudhry also addressed the terminology recently adopted by the military, explaining that the term “Khawarij” is used to describe extremist groups that attack the state under religious pretexts. He called such groups “enemies of Islam and the state,” and emphasized that the right to declare jihad lies solely with the state, not individuals or organizations.
He further introduced the phrase “Fitna al-Hindustan” to label India-sponsored militant operations, accusing New Delhi of exporting terrorism across borders. Citing past statements and alleged plots uncovered in Western nations, including the United States and Canada, he claimed international acknowledgment of India’s role in targeted killings abroad.
On the matter of Pakistan’s strategic deterrence, the ISPR chief delivered a firm message: “Pakistan’s nuclear program is completely secure. No adversary can even think of targeting our nuclear assets.” He added that Pakistan remains a responsible nuclear power committed to regional stability.
The general also touched on broader geopolitical tensions, expressing Pakistan’s solidarity with Iran amid recent Israeli military actions. He framed any aggression against the Islamic world as a threat to regional peace.
