ISLAMABAD – Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR), Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, has strongly criticized India for its alleged involvement in transnational terrorism, saying that India is attempting to suppress Pakistan’s development by orchestrating targeted killings and sponsoring terror cells within Pakistani borders.
In an interview with Al Jazeera, Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif labeled India as a “bully” state with hegemonic ambitions in South Asia. “India’s strategy is to keep Pakistan entangled in terrorism to prevent the realization of its full potential,” he said. “Their goal is to maintain a growing power gap so they can dictate regional dynamics.”
RAW’s Terror Network and Cross-Border Killings
The DG ISPR revealed that Indian intelligence agency RAW has been directly involved in funding and managing terror cells operating inside Pakistan. He specifically mentioned an investigation that identified an Indian military intelligence officer, Major Sandeep, as the mastermind behind IED attacks across the country.
“These operations have been traced to individuals receiving financial support and instructions from across the border,” he stated. “Evidence including transaction records and intercepted audio instructions has already been made public.”
He warned that Indian-sponsored terrorism has many faces and accused New Delhi of employing criminal enterprises to facilitate these attacks.
Mukti Bahini Reference and Historical Hostilities
Referring to India’s past actions, Lt Gen Sharif said, “What was Mukti Bahini in 1971, if not state-sponsored terrorism? Even Prime Minister Modi openly admitted India’s role in supporting that insurgency.”
He suggested that India’s current policy is an extension of the same mindset, designed to destabilize Pakistan through covert warfare.
Blame Game Endangering Regional Peace
He also slammed New Delhi for externalizing its internal issues, especially its rising religious intolerance and persecution of minorities.
“Terrorism in India is largely the outcome of its policies of repression against Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, and Dalits,” the general emphasized. “Instead of self-reflection, India blames Pakistan, which lowers the threshold for conflict and increases the chances of a catastrophic war.”
Lt Gen Sharif cautioned that such “hubristic and irresponsible” politics endanger the lives of 1.6 billion people in the region. “One false-flag attack could escalate into full-blown conflict,” he warned.
Nuclear Security and Pakistan’s Defensive Stance
Addressing concerns over Pakistan’s nuclear programme, the DG ISPR assured that the country’s strategic assets are “completely secure” and meet all international safety standards.
“No one can dare to target Pakistan’s nuclear assets,” he said. “We are a responsible nuclear state, and our deterrent ensures regional balance and peace.”
He concluded by highlighting Pakistan’s commitment to countering terrorism and extremism through institutional efforts, contrasting it with India’s destabilizing conduct.
