The Pakistan Army’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), condemned recent remarks by the Indian Army Chief, calling them baseless and politically motivated. The Indian general’s statement, which labeled Pakistan as the “epicenter of terrorism,” was described as a reflection of the extreme politicization of the Indian military.
ISPR’s Response to Indian Army Chief’s Statement
The ISPR categorically rejected the accusations, stating:
“Insinuating Pakistan as the epicenter of terrorism is contrary to facts and serves as an attempt to deflect from India’s state-sponsored brutality in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and repression of minorities.”
It accused the Indian general of overseeing brutal repression during his tenure in Kashmir and called for civility and professionalism in leadership rather than political pandering. The statement emphasized that the world is aware of India’s growing hate speech against Muslims and pointed to international awareness of India’s trans-national repression and human rights violations.
Criticism of Human Rights Violations
The ISPR reiterated that India’s oppressive actions in Kashmir have only strengthened the resolve of Kashmiris to pursue their UN-mandated right to self-determination. Pakistan’s statement highlighted that the Indian military has ignored the case of a senior Indian officer in Pakistan’s custody, allegedly caught orchestrating terror activities.
Foreign Office Statement on Indian Remarks
Pakistan’s Foreign Office echoed the ISPR’s stance, rejecting the Indian defense minister and army chief’s statements made on January 13 and 14, 2025. It stressed:
- Jammu and Kashmir remains an internationally recognized disputed territory.
- India’s claims over Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan are without legal or moral standing.
- The Indian leadership’s rhetoric cannot divert global attention from grave human rights violations in IIOJK.
The statement urged India to address its own documented involvement in state-sponsored terrorism, subversion, and assassinations in foreign countries, instead of making unfounded accusations against Pakistan. It concluded by emphasizing that such provocations undermine regional peace and stability.
