ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Wednesday strongly condemned India for reviving what it described as fabricated and provocative propaganda ahead of upcoming state elections in Bihar and West Bengal, warning that such irresponsible remarks could endanger regional peace and stability.
The Pakistani military’s media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), said it had taken “serious notice” of recent comments made by Indian military officials, calling them a repeat of “delusional claims frequently made during election periods in India.”
“It is regrettable to see the military leadership of a nuclear-armed country issuing irresponsible statements under intense political pressure,” the ISPR said.
“Such rhetoric has turned the Indian military establishment into a source of ridicule,” it added.
The ISPR cautioned that “unnecessary chest-thumping and unwarranted statements could trigger a cycle of jingoism,” which might have dangerous implications for peace and security in South Asia.
It also noted that contradictions in the Indian Army’s recent press statements were “so evident that they do not warrant a detailed response.” The statement slammed Indian leaders of attempting to rewrite history with “Bollywood-style narratives” aimed at shaping domestic opinion ahead of elections.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s resolve, the ISPR stated that the Pakistan Armed Forces are fully prepared and capable of defending every inch of national territory.
“Every act of aggression will be met with a swift, resolute, and memorable response,” it warned.
Referring to the May 2025 confrontation, referred to as Maarka-e-Haq, the ISPR said Indian forces had been “decisively defeated,” yet Indian leaders continue to deny that outcome.
“The world now recognizes India as the true face of cross-border terrorism and the epicenter of regional instability,” the statement said.
Pattern ahead of Indian elections
Analysts and international observers have noted a recurring pattern in India, where anti-Pakistan rhetoric intensifies before elections, often used to rally nationalist sentiment and distract from domestic challenges.
In May 2024, Germany’s public broadcaster Deutsche Welle (DW) reported that anti-Pakistan sentiment remains “an emotive issue in India” and serves as “a convenient political tool for candidates.”
Similarly, during the 2019 Pulwama attack and subsequent Balakot airstrikes, which occurred just weeks before India’s general elections, The Guardian observed that the escalation “played to Prime Minister Modi’s advantage,” helping his party shift public focus from economic issues.
Former Indian intelligence chief A.S. Dulat, in an interview with The Times of India, had described the Pulwama attack as “a gift to the BJP ahead of the elections.”
“It was inevitable that something would happen,” Dulat had said, suggesting that the timing benefited the ruling party politically.
Pakistan calls for restraint and regional stability
Pakistan has repeatedly urged India to avoid using baseless allegations and militaristic rhetoric for domestic political gain. Officials maintain that such behavior undermines regional stability and diverts attention from the urgent need for peace and economic cooperation in South Asia.
“Pakistan remains committed to peace and stability in the region,” the ISPR concluded. “However, any attempt to violate its sovereignty will be met with a firm and decisive response.”
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