Pakistan’s Military Blasts Indian Army Chief’s Explosive ‘Epicentre of Terrorism’ Claim

In a shocking turn of events, Pakistan’s military has fired back with scathing criticism against Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi for labeling Pakistan as the “epicentre of terrorism.” The remarks, made during a press conference ahead of India’s Army Day, have drawn sharp rebukes, exposing escalating tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Pakistan’s military spokesperson, issued a strongly worded statement on Wednesday, denouncing General Dwivedi’s allegations as baseless, politically motivated, and an exercise in futility. “Instead of conjuring up non-existent terror infrastructure in Pakistan, it would be wise not to indulge in self-delusion,” ISPR declared.

India’s Claims Spark Outrage

General Dwivedi alleged that in 2024, “60% of the terrorists eliminated” in Indian-occupied Kashmir (IoK) were of Pakistani origin. He further claimed that 80% of the remaining fighters in IoK hailed from Pakistan. Such statements, ISPR responded, are not only contrary to facts but also an attempt to divert global attention from India’s atrocities in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and the repression of its own minorities.

Highlighting the irony, the ISPR accused the Indian Army Chief of “extreme duplicity” and “a politically motivated narrative” aimed at masking India’s own transgressions. It lambasted General Dwivedi’s tenure in IIOJK, where he oversaw “the most brutal repression of Kashmiris.”

A Case of ‘Extreme Politicisation’

In its fiery statement, Pakistan’s military called out India’s “hate-speech conclave” and systematic genocide rhetoric aimed at Muslims. The ISPR accused Indian forces of gross human rights violations, including using oppressive measures against unarmed Kashmiris. It asserted that such atrocities have only strengthened the resolve of Kashmiris to seek self-determination, as enshrined in United Nations Security Council Resolutions.

The ISPR reminded the world of the chilling confession of Indian spy agent Kulbhushan Jadhav, who was arrested in 2016 for orchestrating terrorism within Pakistan. “The sobering fact that a senior serving Indian military officer is in Pakistan’s custody, caught red-handed, seems to have been conveniently ignored,” the statement added.

Foreign Office Slams India’s Leadership

Separately, Pakistan’s Foreign Office (FO) also issued a blistering rebuttal to remarks made by Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Singh’s assertion that India must “dismantle Pakistan’s terror infrastructure” and claims over Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) were termed “fictitious” and without legal or moral grounds.

The FO reiterated that IoK remains an internationally recognized disputed territory, whose status must be determined by UNSC resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people. “India’s rhetoric cannot divert attention from the grave human rights violations and oppressive measures carried out in IIOJK,” it emphasized.

The statement also condemned India’s extraterritorial killings, including the targeted assassinations of individuals in Pakistan, as reported by international media. It urged India to “introspect and address its documented involvement in state-sponsored terrorism.”

India’s Covert Operations Exposed

Adding fuel to the fire, a recent investigative report by The Washington Post has exposed India’s clandestine assassination campaigns on Pakistani soil. According to the report, India’s intelligence agency, RAW, has been orchestrating killings since 2021, targeting individuals it deems threats to its national interests.

The report detailed six killings in Pakistan, allegedly part of this campaign, and drew parallels to similar operations against Sikh activists in North America. It highlighted how poorly trained contractors and local criminal networks were employed, leading to failed plots, such as the botched assassination of Gurpatwant Pannun in New York.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs declined to comment on the revelations, maintaining a stance of neither confirming nor denying involvement. However, international condemnation has been mounting, with Canada and the United States raising serious concerns over India’s covert activities.

Global Implications and Regional Stability

The ongoing war of words between India and Pakistan underscores the fragile state of regional stability in South Asia. Experts warn that inflammatory rhetoric and covert operations could escalate tensions, risking further destabilization.

Pakistan’s military has called for “civility, professionalism, and adherence to norms of state-to-state behavior” from Indian leadership. It remains to be seen whether India will heed these calls or continue its aggressive posturing.

As the world watches, the question remains: Will the international community hold India accountable for its alleged actions, or will the subcontinent remain a theater for unchecked hostility?

Source: Dawn.com