(Abdul Basit Alvi)
The Pakistan Army, through DG ISPR Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, rejected another alleged Indian false-flag operation in occupied Kashmir on September 29. India had reportedly claimed that it killed Lashkar-e-Taiba militant Mohammad Asif, also known as Hashim Musa or Asif Fauji, whom Indian reports alleged was a Pakistani Special Service Group handler with a service number involved in attacks, along with three associates. Chaudhry challenged the claim by bringing Asif, alive, before the media. Asif identified himself as a retired Pakistan Army SSG Havaldar from Pindi Gheb in Attock, said he retired in 2023, later worked for a security company, and now lives in Rawalpindi. He said he learned from friends and social media that Indian forces had supposedly killed him, denied involvement in militant activities or being a handler, confirmed that he was alive, and said he remained willing to serve Pakistan. Chaudhry also accused India of sponsoring terrorist organizations against Pakistan, a charge India has repeatedly denied, and cited six alleged reasons for such operations: destabilizing Pakistan, diverting attention from Kashmir and Indian actions there, exploiting the large security presence in the region, distracting from India’s domestic economic, social, and political problems, politicizing the Indian Army, and promoting Hindutva and what Pakistan characterizes as state-sponsored terrorism. He also referred to Pulwama and Pahalgam as earlier examples of incidents in which India blamed Pakistan without credible evidence or adequate investigation, and warned that any Indian action against Pakistan would receive a strong response.
The press conference also addressed Pakistan-Saudi Arabia relations, domestic governance, counterterrorism, and regional security. Chaudhry reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement with Saudi Arabia, while saying that defense-cooperation details are confidential, and stated that Pakistan’s commitment to protecting Saudi Arabia and its leadership is absolute, reflecting the countries’ close security relationship and ongoing cooperation. On domestic affairs, he said relations between the federal government and provinces are the federal government’s responsibility and emphasized that the army operates under the Constitution and state orders rather than acting as a political entity, with its role being national defense rather than running the government or interfering in political disputes. On terrorism, he stressed that political interests must not override counterterrorism efforts, noting the heavy losses suffered by Pakistani soldiers and civilians, economic damage, and social strain during the country’s long struggle against terrorism. He referred to the National Action Plan developed after the 2014 Army Public School attack and highlighted continuing security challenges in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. He said Pakistan regards the BLA and TTP as similarly banned threats to national security and alleged that both receive support from the Afghan Taliban. He distinguished Afghan citizens from Afghanistan’s rulers, saying ordinary Afghans are neighbors rather than enemies, while Afghan authorities have a responsibility to prevent their territory from being used against Pakistan. He also accused the Afghan Taliban of serving the interests of various agencies for financial benefits and urged them to consider the consequences of their actions. Chaudhry concluded that Pakistan, its military, and its people would make no compromise on national security, which he identified as paramount.
The whole nation stands with the Pakistan Army. This is not just a slogan. It is a reality. The people of Pakistan have seen the sacrifices of their soldiers. They have seen the dedication of their army. They know that the army is there to protect them. They know that the army is ready to tackle all internal and external threats. The Pakistani nation feels proud of this. It feels proud that its army is fully prepared. It feels proud that its army is committed to making Pakistan secure and prosperous. This pride is not blind. It is based on decades of service. It is based on the blood that has been shed. It is based on the victories that have been won. The army has fought terrorists. It has fought enemies. It has helped in times of natural disasters. It has built roads and bridges. It has run schools and hospitals. It has been a pillar of the state. The people recognize this. They appreciate this. They stand behind their army. This unity is a source of strength. It is a source of power. India and all other enemies should keep this in mind. They should understand that this is not a divided nation. This is a united nation. This is a nation that stands firmly behind its army. To defeat such a nation is not possible. It has never been possible. It will never be possible. The enemies can try. They can stage false flag operations. They can spread propaganda. They can try to create confusion. But they will fail. They will fail because the truth is on Pakistan’s side. They will fail because the people are on Pakistan’s side. They will fail because the army is on Pakistan’s side. This is the message that the DG ISPR conveyed. This is the message that Mohammad Asif conveyed by simply being alive. This is the message that the entire nation wants to send. Pakistan is strong. Pakistan is united. Pakistan is ready. And Pakistan will always prevail. The false flag operation of September twenty-ninth was just another attempt to weaken this nation. It was another attempt to malign this army. It was another attempt to create a narrative that serves India’s interests. But it failed. It failed because Pakistan was prepared. It failed because the truth came out. It failed because a retired soldier was brave enough to stand up and say, I am alive. This is the power of truth. This is the power of honesty. This is the power of a nation that refuses to be bullied. India should learn from this. It should stop its false flag operations. It should stop blaming Pakistan without proof. It should focus on its own problems. It should respect the sovereignty of its neighbors. It should work for peace in the region. This is the only way forward. This is the only path to stability. Pakistan has always extended the hand of friendship. It has always sought peaceful relations. But it will not compromise on its security. It will not bow to pressure. It will not accept false accusations. It will stand firm. It will stand strong. It will stand united. And it will always expose the lies of its enemies. The world is watching. The world is beginning to see the truth. The lies of India are being exposed. One by one, the false flags are being torn down. And the truth of Pakistan is shining through. This is a victory for Pakistan. This is a victory for truth. This is a victory for the brave soldiers who defend this land. And it is a victory for the proud nation that stands behind them. The nation stands with the army. The army stands with the nation. Together, they are invincible. Together, they will overcome every challenge. Together, they will build a secure and prosperous Pakistan. This is the promise of the future. This is the hope of the present. And this is the reality of the past. Pakistan Zindabad. Pakistan Army Zindabad.
