Targeting unarmed civilians highlight India’s desperation: DG ISPR
‘31 civilians martyred, 57 injured in Indian attack’
Islamabad: Director General of the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, has said that India’s nefarious face has been exposed before the world and her cowardly and disgraceful attack on unarmed civilians has highlighted Indian desperation.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif in a press conference held in Islamabad stated that 31 innocent civilians were martyred and 57 sustained injuries in the Indian assault. He said the enemy’s attack was not only cowardly but also a grave violation of international norms, deserving the strongest condemnation.
He questioned the so-called bravery in targeting innocent children, pointing out that even mosques were attacked, and copies of the Holy Quran were desecrated. “Which religion in the world permits the targeting of places of worship?” he asked.
The DG ISPR said that India’s actions were in line with its known pattern of sponsoring terrorism inside Pakistan through proxies. “When we made it difficult for terrorists to operate on our soil, India resorted to direct military aggression,” he said. “If targeting innocent civilians and children is not terrorism, then what is?”
Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif made it clear that Pakistan’s response was calculated and responsible. “In our retaliatory strikes, we targeted only military objectives—unlike the cowardly enemy who targeted civilians,” he said. “Five Indian fighter jets, including three Rafales, were destroyed.”
He added that such an example in aerial warfare is rare and that Pakistan is proud of its air force. “India’s aggression and ceasefire violations along the Line of Control (LoC) have unmasked its true face before the global community,” he said.
The DG ISPR also revealed that Pakistan has presented evidence before the world proving India’s involvement in acts of terrorism across different countries. He said Pakistan responded strongly to India’s LoC violations, including the destruction of seven Indian drones—two of which were recovered intact.
He emphasized that Pakistan suffered no military casualties in these operations. “We even facilitated media access to the LoC so the world could see the reality,” he noted.
He further stated that at the time of India’s airstrike, 57 international passenger flights were airborne—placing lives in grave danger. He also condemned India for targeting the Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower Project. “Under the Geneva Conventions, civilian populations and water installations cannot be targeted. By attacking dams, India violated international law.”
“Pakistan reserves the right to self-defence,” he declared.
Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif concluded by stating that the people of Pakistan stand united with their armed forces and will not compromise on the security of their homeland. “The brave people and armed forces of Pakistan want to make it clear that every drop of innocent blood will be accounted for.”
