DG ISPR presser: ‘India not victim but sponsor of terrorism’

ISLAMABAD: Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif on Friday strongly rejected India’s allegations linking Pakistan to the recent Pahalgam attack, calling them baseless, politically driven, and lacking any credible evidence.

Speaking at a key press briefing attended by senior officers from the Pakistan Air Force and Navy, Gen Sharif briefed international media on what he termed India’s false narrative.

“India blamed Pakistan for the Pahalgam incident without presenting a shred of evidence,” he said, adding that terrorism occurs daily in Pakistan, and ironically, the country responsible for sponsoring it is the one claiming to be its victim.

Providing detailed context, the military spokesperson explained the geographical and logistical implausibility of the Indian claim that attackers crossed the border. “Pahalgam is about 230 kilometres from the Line of Control and the incident site lies 5.3 km off-road and just 1.2 km from a local police station. The FIR claims cross-border infiltration and mentions indiscriminate firing — all concluded within 10 minutes of the attack, even though the route alone takes 30 minutes one way. It defies logic.”

He highlighted how Indian social media handles and TV channels swiftly pointed fingers at Pakistan barely minutes after the attack, despite the absence of any verified facts. “This manufactured urgency raises serious questions. The narrative was pre-set.”

The ISPR chief also played video clips of Kashmiri civilians questioning the Indian state’s version of events. One citizen pointed out the overwhelming presence of Indian forces in the area, asking, “If someone posts something online, they’re picked up the same night — how did this happen under such surveillance?” Others questioned the apparent security lapse.

“This is why we say it’s a drama — a pretext to justify military action against Pakistan using fabricated claims of cross-border terrorism and militant networks,” Gen Sharif said.

He reiterated Pakistan’s offer to present any evidence India may have before a neutral and independent commission. “Who gave India the authority to act as judge, jury and executioner?” he asked, calling for facts to prevail over politics.

The ISPR chief also condemned India’s broader treatment of Kashmiris, Muslims, and minorities, accusing New Delhi of systematic oppression. He alleged that Indian forces routinely detain and torture Pakistanis and Kashmiris who accidentally cross the border, later declaring them terrorists.

“Such fabricated charges and military escalations must end. Pakistan will defend its sovereignty but remains committed to truth and transparency,” he said.