By ABDULLAH 
The Pakistan Army has issued a strong warning to India, cautioning that any future conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbours could result in “cataclysmic devastation” for the entire region. The statement comes amid heightened tensions following provocative remarks from top Indian officials, including the Indian defence minister and military chiefs.
In a statement released on Saturday, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) expressed “grave concern” over what it called “delusional, provocative, and jingoistic statements” made by senior figures in India’s security establishment.
“These irresponsible statements indicate a renewed attempt at fabricating arbitrary pretexts for aggression a prospect which might lead to serious consequences for peace and stability in South Asia,” the ISPR said.
The military’s media wing made it clear that Pakistan would not hesitate to respond if provoked.
“In case a fresh round of hostilities is triggered, Pakistan shall not hold back. We shall resolutely respond, without any qualms or restraint,” the ISPR stated.
The remarks followed a series of aggressive statements from Indian leaders.
Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh recently told a gathering that India’s armed forces were fully capable of “dealing with any challenge” and hinted at possible future action against Pakistan.
Similarly, Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi claimed that Pakistan should “stop terrorism if it wants to retain its place on the map.”
Indian Air Force Chief Amar Preet Singh also claimed, without providing evidence, that Indian forces had downed five Pakistani fighter jets including F-16 and JF-17 aircraft during the intense four-day conflict between the two sides earlier this year.
The Pakistan Army swiftly rejected these claims, calling them baseless and part of India’s “long tradition of propaganda.”
The ISPR emphasized that Pakistan would not remain passive in the face of aggression.
“Those seeking to establish a new normal must know that Pakistan has established a new normal of response which will be swift, decisive, and destructive,” the statement read.
The military also warned that any attempts to target Pakistan’s sovereignty would be met with force across all domains land, air, and sea.
“This time we shall shatter the myth of geographic immunity, hitting the farthest reaches of the Indian territory,” the ISPR added.
It also cautioned India against making threats about “erasing Pakistan from the map”, saying such talk was reckless.
“If the situation comes, the erasure will be mutual,” the statement concluded.
Tensions between Pakistan and India have remained high since the May 2025 conflict, described as the most intense fighting between the two countries in decades.
The confrontation began after a deadly attack on Hindu tourists in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir’s (IIOJK) Pahalgam area. New Delhi blamed Pakistan, but Islamabad denied involvement, calling India’s accusations “baseless and politically motivated.”
Over the next four days, both sides exchanged heavy fire using fighter jets, missiles, and drones. The conflict killed dozens before a ceasefire was brokered by the United States on May 10.
During those clashes, Pakistan’s forces reportedly shot down six Indian fighter jets including three Rafales and several drones. India acknowledged “some losses” but disputed the numbers.
The skirmish brought both countries dangerously close to all-out war, drawing concern from the UN and major world powers.
The ISPR said India has long portrayed itself as a victim of terrorism while actually “stoking violence and perpetrating instability across South Asia.”
“For decades, India has benefited from playing the victim card and painting Pakistan negatively,” the military said, adding that the international community now recognizes India as the “true face of cross-border terrorism and the epicentre of regional instability.”
The statement accused India’s leadership of “collective amnesia”, forgetting the losses it suffered in past conflicts and “aching for the next confrontation.”
While the Pakistan Army’s statement was firm, it reiterated that peace and stability in South Asia could only be maintained through mutual respect and responsible dialogue.
However, the military made clear that any violation of Pakistan’s territorial integrity or sovereignty would be met with full force.
“Pakistan’s people and armed forces have the capability and resolve to take the fight to every nook and corner of the enemy’s territory,” it warned.
The strong statement serves as both a message of deterrence and a reminder that any miscalculation could lead to catastrophic consequences not just for the two countries but for the entire region.