News Desk |
Addressing a press conference on the ongoing issue of Indian propaganda and diplomatic scuffle in the wake of the Pulwama attack, DG ISPR Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor began by stating his desire to talk about multiple issues, but given the current situation, he would mainly discuss the Pulwama issue. Pointing out to India’s baseless rain of accusations against Pakistan, he asserted that Pakistan has taken its time to conduct relevant investigations into the matter and provide a response.
DG ISPR pointed out that 64% of Pakistan’s population is youth, which is the target of fifth generation warfare, and his statement is directed at the youth, in order to provide them context to understand the events. “We have a history of 72 years, and since our independence in 1947, India has been struggling to accept this reality till this date. In October 1947, India attacked Kashmir, and for the past 72 years, their reign of terror is spreading violence in Kashmir. In 1965, tensions emerged at the LOC and India brought it to the international border, which resulted in its defeat.”
“The Uri incident of 18th September 2016 occurred when our Prime Minister was expected to make a speech at the UN General Assembly. This pattern reveals that Pakistan is readying for an important event”.
DG ISPR went on to state India’s exploitation given Pakistan’s geographic distance, misunderstandings with East Pakistan in 1971 and highlighted the introduction of Mukti Bahini groups to spread terrorism. “Pakistan has always been a resilient nation, and we overcame these challenges.”
“The period from 1971 to 1984, our eastern borders were peaceful, the situation was relatively calm and there were no cross-LOC violations. We began our journey towards progress and peace once again. But then Siachen happened, and in a region where Pakistan Army wasn’t present, you (India) arrived and occupied the region. Since then, the Pakistan Army has been fighting in Siachen”.
India’s Indirect Strategy of Spreading Terrorism in Pakistan
DG ISPR noted that becoming a nuclear state provided Pakistan a stronger deterrence because it deprived India of the advantage of threatening us with a conventional war. “India began adopting an indirect strategy to promote terrorism in our country”. He also noted that India’s escalations on the western border undermined Pakistan’s ability to prevent the spread of terrorism throughout its territory.
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“In 2008, when we were reaping the success of our war against terrorism, India brought its forces to the borders to scuttle our success in fighting terrorism, and the living proof of these efforts is Kulbhushan Jadhav.” Pointing out Pakistan’s response of peace to India’s indirect acts of destabilization, DG ISPR highlighted Pakistan’s decision to set up the Director Generals of Military Operation’s hotline, and the creation of five crossing points on the Line of Control (LOC), and composite dialogues between the two countries. “This process was also discontinued in the wake of the Mumbai Attacks”.
“Whenever there is an important event in our country, or Pakistan’s stability is improving, we have observed the onset of terror attacks in India or Indian-occupied Kashmir. The attack on the Indian Parliament of December 2001 took place before the general and presidential election, and during the same period, Pakistan witnessed an influx of terrorism on its western borders”.
DG ISPR asserted that Pakistan is changing and welcoming a “new mindset” after the sacrifices of our security forces and citizens in the fight against terrorism.
DG ISPR noted that the Mumbai attacks happened during a period when our war against terror was reaping great successes, while the Pathankot incident of 2016 occurred in the wake of the Indian state elections and diplomatic talks between Pakistan and India. “The Uri incident of 18th September 2016 occurred when our Prime Minister was expected to make a speech at the UN General Assembly. This pattern reveals that Pakistan is readying for an important event”.
Pakistan’s Analysis on the Pulwama Attack
“In February and March, 8 incredibly important events were taking place for Pakistan, which include the visit of Saudi Crown Prince and investment conference, the terror listing discussion in the UNSC, the Afghan-Taliban peace process, a sitting on the human rights violations in the EU, Kulbhushan Jadhav’s hearing in the ICJ, discussion, FATF report, Pak-India meeting on the Kartarpur corridor, and matches of the Pakistan Super League”, noted DG ISPR.
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He commented that aside from these factors, the upcoming Indian election is also a decisive factor. While referring to the Pulwama attack, he noted, “The explosives and vehicle used in the attack were not Pakistan made and did not reach the valley through Pakistan. The youth responsible for the attack was Kashmiri and in 2017, he was under the arrest of the Indian security forces, and aggression and maltreatment brought him to the brink of staging such violence”.
He noted that analysts in India predicted such an attack before the upcoming election, and such reports were circulated throughout media. While referring to Adil’s [the suicide attacker] video released after the Pulwama attack, “A technical analysis of video would reveal a great deal about its quality, the distance it has been shot from, and the dubbing, and the weapons showed in the video would provide a great many indicators”.
DG ISPR highlighted that the aftermath of the Pulwama attack witnessed terrible atrocities against Kashmiris across India. “If you want peace and stability, do not send the likes of Kulbhushan to our country. Do not disturb the peace of the region.”
DG ISPR asserted that Pakistan is changing and welcoming a “new mindset” after the sacrifices of our security forces and citizens in the fight against terrorism. “We aided the foreign forces in Afghanistan in fighting terror throughout the region. Pakistan seeks to give a better future to its youth”.
“Pakistan chose to conduct a thorough investigation of the attack, analyze its response and then, our Prime Minister gave a responsible response befitting of a responsible nation. PM Khan’s offer to India for assistance in the investigation has never been made before.” DG ISPR reinstated that PM Imran Khan’s offered to investigate the matter, not under pressure, but for the greater good of Pakistan. He invited India to conduct dialogues to fight terrorism through the region.
We are not Preparing for War
While referring to the news reports circulating in India about Pakistan gearing up for war, DG ISPR said, “We are not preparing for war. Threats for war are emerging from India, and as a sovereign state, we have a right to respond to your threats. We are not preparing to initiate a conflict, simply exercising our right to defending our nation.”
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“We are a modern army, and from all three army chiefs down to the soldiers, we are battle-hardened, and we have fought a war against an invisible army. India is a non-threat, we have studied you for 70 years, we have prepared our capabilities for you, and our response will be befitting of a sovereign state”.
He asserted, “Pakistan army will never be surprised by you (India), but we shall surprise you. Because you initiate, we shall also dominate the escalation with superior force ratio at a decisive point. Never think that due to our commitments elsewhere, we will have any capacity lack. We have a singleness of conception, from the Prime Minister down to a citizen, from the three army chiefs down to a soldier and all political parties, in all segments of life”. While stating that Pakistan is united in its stance on the issue, it is important for India not to undermine our military capacities, DG ISPR warned, “Don’t mess with Pakistan”.
What is the Way Forward?
DG ISPR highlighted the Indian attempts of eliminating Pakistan’s Most Favorite Nation (MFN) status, a ban on the trade of tomatoes, preventing our players from participating at the Olympics, and warmongering. Noting the propaganda initiated by Indian media, he stated their actions of “war journalism” and lauded the Pakistani media for its responsible reporting.
While speaking of General Asad Durrani’s violation of the military code of conduct, DG ISPR revealed that he was found guilty of violating the military code of conduct and he is no more entitled of the pensions and endowment of a retired military officer.
Maj Gen Ghafoor asserted PM Imran Khan’s suggestion of introspection on India’s failing policies in Kashmir. “Pakistan’s efforts of introspection have reaped successes, and you (India) are in dire need of introspecting to understand that Kashmiris seek relief from your violence”. He noted that India is the greatest democracy in the world, and two democracies cannot go to war. “Democracies never fight a war, and being a secular country and the greatest democracy in the world, it is important to safeguard minorities.”
DG ISPR highlighted that the aftermath of the Pulwama attack witnessed terrible atrocities against Kashmiris across India. “If you want peace and stability, do not send the likes of Kulbhushan to our country. Do not disturb the peace of the region.”
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Reinstating Chief of Army’s staff statement, peaceful coexistence as key to development, he urged India to “responsibly consider Pakistan’s proposal for peace and not to be on obstacle to regional development.” DG ISPR highlighted the gravest challenge of human security and the need to provide education and opportunities of development to citizens across the region. “Your attitude is not in line with humanity”, he reprimanded India.
Referring to Indian claims of “diplomatically isolating Pakistan, DG ISPR noted, “Despite their efforts, Pakistan is being visited by multiple foreign heads of states and dignitaries, and nations are eager to be engaged in the CPEC developments. We have conducted joint-exercises with several nations, including China, Russia, and the US.”
DG ISPR lauded Pakistan Army’s success in the Rad-ul-Fasad operation, which has helped eliminate multiple terrorist and terror abettors, and safeguarding the borders of Pakistan against terror activities and their sponsors.
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While speaking of General Asad Durrani’s violation of the military code of conduct, DG ISPR revealed that he was found guilty of violating the military code of conduct and he is no more entitled of the pensions and endowment of a retired military officer. He also referred to the news reports hinting the arrests of two senior military officers, DG ISPR confirmed that two officers are in “military custody on charges of espionage, and Army chief has ordered a court-martial”. “It is important to note that if we have been able to get them and identify the issue, it is a success.”
Mina Jahangir with additional input by News Desk.