Pakistan Rejects India’s Distorted Interpretation of Army Chief’s Remarks

Pakistan has condemned India for misrepresenting the comments made by Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir during his recent visit to the United States.

During his second trip to the US within two months, General Munir engaged with high-ranking political and military figures and also connected with the Pakistani community at an event in Florida. He also participated in a farewell ceremony honoring General Michael Kurilla, the outgoing commander of the United States Central Command.

Reports in the Indian media, citing unnamed sources, attributed a statement to General Munir, claiming he said: “We are a nuclear nation. If we think we are going down, we’ll take half the world down with us”.

India and Pakistan both possess nuclear capabilities.

Randhir Jaiswal, the Indian foreign ministry spokesperson, stated that “Nuclear sabre-rattling is Pakistan’s standard practice,” and added that “The international community can form its own judgments regarding the irresponsibility evident in such pronouncements.”

He further noted his disapproval that these alleged comments were reportedly made while in a nation considered friendly to both.

Responding to the assertions from the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), a Foreign Office spokesperson stated: “Pakistan firmly dismisses the immature comments expressed by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs earlier today, which serves as further evidence of their persistent inclination to skew facts and misinterpret statements by taking them out of context.”

Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan asserted that the Indian portrayal of supposed “nuclear blackmail” is deceptive and serves their own purposes. He said that Pakistan remains steadfastly against the use, or threat of force. “India’s warmongering and saber-rattling always invites unfounded allegations lacking rationality when confronted.”

The spokesperson emphasized Pakistan’s status as a responsible nuclear-armed nation with a well-defined command and control framework fully under civilian supervision.

“Pakistan has consistently demonstrated discipline and restraint when addressing matters of such importance,” he added. “Pakistan’s ongoing and credible efforts in combating terrorism are acknowledged globally. Our security forces remain a stronghold against terrorism.”

He stated that the Indian MEA’s unfounded insinuations are irresponsible and lack any factual basis, noting Pakistan’s concern regarding the unnecessary reference to third-party countries, aimed at pressuring Pakistan.

The spokesperson added that this reflects India’s lack of diplomatic assurance and represents a pointless endeavor to involve other countries unnecessarily.

He affirmed that, in contrast to India’s combative and hawkish approach, Pakistan will continue to conduct itself as a responsible member of the international community.

“However, any act of Indian aggression or infringement upon Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity will face an immediate and proportionate response. The responsibility for any resulting escalation will lie entirely with the Indian leadership.”