Pakistan never requested ceasefire: DG ISPR briefs nation on military response to Indian aggression

Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Lt General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry clarified Pakistan’s position on the ceasefire and outlined the military's strategic handling of the escalation, firmly stating that Pakistan “never requested for a ceasefire.”

“Let me put it on record: Pakistan never requested a ceasefire,” the DG ISPR said in a detailed briefing on Sunday. “On the night of May 6 and 7, after those dastardly and cowardly attacks were made, Indians requested [a ceasefire] and Pakistan gave a very clear response—that we will communicate back only after we have given the response that this act deserves,” he added.

According to Lt Gen Chaudhry, it was only after Pakistan had executed its retaliatory campaign under 'Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos' that Islamabad responded to Indian overtures. “So on May 10, after the response and retribution […] and on the request and intervention of international interlocutors, we responded to the already made request of the Indians.”

He also addressed viral claims circulating on social media about an Indian pilot allegedly being captured by Pakistani forces. “I want to categorically state that Pakistan has no Indian pilot in custody,” he said, attributing the reports to “social media chatter” and disinformation campaigns. “This is all part of fake news and propaganda that has been generated from multiple sources.”

Highlighting the high stakes of escalation between two nuclear-armed neighbours, DG ISPR called the idea of war between India and Pakistan “inconceivable” and “sheer stupidity.”

“In a conflict between two rival nuclear powers … such a conflict is actually an absurdity,” he said, adding, “In the case of India and Pakistan, such a conflict can lead to peril of more than 1.6 billion people.”

He added, “In reality, there is no space for war between India and Pakistan, and if anyone wants to carve out this space for war, he is actually carving out the space for mutual annihilation.”

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Despite provocations, Lt Gen Chaudhry stated that Pakistan had acted with strategic maturity throughout the conflict. He said the response to Indian aggression was carefully managed to avoid uncontrolled escalation, while still delivering a “two-notch” higher reply using conventional military forces.

“This is why you saw how in this conflict Pakistan acted in a very mature manner and through conventional forces, we maintained escalation control,” he said. “Through conventional forces, we gave them a two-notch up response, while also ensuring that the Pakistan forces employed on the counterterrorism operations…no pull is also exerted on them,” he added.

DG ISPR described Pakistan’s 'Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos' against India as a comprehensive national response to Indian aggression, stating that the armed forces had fulfilled every promise made to the nation.

“Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos has been a great example of the coming together of all elements of national power,” he said. “With the overwhelming support of the Pakistani public, we effectively countered a direct threat to our national sovereignty, integrity, and our great motherland,” he added.

Lt Gen Chaudhry reiterated that the Pakistan Armed Forces had made three clear commitments at the outset of the conflict: “We will give a befitting response to Indian aggression. That response will come at a time, place, and through methods of our own choosing. And when we hit back, the entire world will know—it won’t be something you’ll need the Indian media to tell you.”

He stressed that these were not just statements of intent but objectives that were fully realised. “That’s what we promised. We promised and delivered.”

He presented an overview of 'Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos' launched in retaliation to what he called “dastardly attacks” carried out by Indian forces on the night of May 6 and 7, providing a comprehensive account of Pakistan’s military response to what he described as “unprovoked Indian aggression.”

“These attacks led to the tragic loss of innocent civilian lives, including women, children, and the elderly,” he said. “Pakistan had vowed justice and retribution for the reprehensible Indian military aggression and brutal killing of our civilians,” he added.

Highlighting the military response, the DG ISPR informed that Pakistan’s armed forces targeted 26 military installations inside India that were allegedly involved in attacks on Pakistani civilians and infrastructure.

“These included Indian Air Force and Army installations at Suratgarh, Sirsa, Adampur, Bhuj, Naliya, Bathinda, Barnala, Harwara, Avantipur, Srinagar, Jammu, Mamoon, Ambala, Udhampur, and Pathankot — all of which sustained significant damage,” he stated. He added that missile facilities used to launch BrahMos missiles into Pakistani territory were also neutralised.

Describing Pakistan’s response as a “textbook demonstration” of joint military operations, he stressed the integration of all three military branches and advanced technologies. “It was enabled by real-time situational awareness, network-centric warfare capabilities, and seamless multi-domain operations,” he said.

He further highlighted the use of a wide array of modern weaponry including precision-guided long-range Fatah missiles (F1 and F2), air-launched precision munitions, long-range loitering munitions, and advanced artillery systems.

Reinforcing Pakistan’s conduct during the operation, the military spokesperson strongly affirmed that the armed forces did not target civilian populations. “We will never target civilians,” he said. “Our religion, culture, and professionalism don’t allow us to do so.” He added, “Even from Indian statements, did you find that Pakistan attacked anything other than military targets? No.”

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The DG ISPR further stated that Pakistan’s military retaliation was not only proportionate and deliberate but also designed to uphold the country’s strategic deterrence posture. “No one should have any doubt,” he warned, “that whenever our sovereignty is threatened and our territorial integrity violated, the response will be comprehensive, retributive, and decisive,” he stressed.

He revealed new aspects of the Pakistan’s military strategy during 'Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos' against India, highlighting the country’s use of drones, cyber capabilities, and simultaneous counterterrorism operations.

The briefing underscored the increasing technological sophistication of Pakistan’s military and its preparedness to engage across multiple domains in response to evolving regional threats. “India deployed drones not just for surveillance but to intimidate civilians by spreading fear,” he said.

In response, he stated, Pakistan demonstrated its own advanced drone capabilities. “Throughout 'Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos', dozens of Pakistani armed drones flew over major Indian cities and high-value political and government sites, including the capital, New Delhi,” he revealed.

He said this maneuver was a deliberate show of strength. “From occupied Kashmir to Gujarat, we made it clear that Pakistan possesses lethal, long-range, unmanned capabilities, underscoring the futility of trying to dominate this domain.”

Also read: Indian attack on Nur Khan base prompted US intervention: NYT

The DG ISPR further disclosed that Pakistan launched a “comprehensive and effective cyber-offensive” that temporarily disrupted and degraded critical Indian infrastructure and communication networks. These systems, he said, were actively supporting India’s military operations during the conflict.

“Let me tell you, the Pakistan Armed Forces possess an adequate suite of highly sophisticated, niche military technologies. What we used in this conflict was only a fraction of our capabilities—many remain undisclosed, reserved for future contingencies,” he stated.

Despite the show of force, Lt Gen Chaudhry insisted that Pakistan’s actions were measured. “Compared to India’s relentless provocations, our response has been precise, proportionate, and remarkably restrained,” he said. He said that Pakistan avoided civilian casualties and strictly targeted entities directly linked to hostile military actions against Pakistan.

During the press briefing, he also highlighted a concurrent surge in militant violence across Pakistan. “As our forces engaged on the eastern front, we witnessed an abnormal and immediate spike in India-sponsored terrorism within our borders,” he said. “This clearly vindicates Pakistan’s long-standing position that India is actively involved in fomenting terrorism here.”

Despite these challenges, he asserted that Pakistan’s military maintained operational effectiveness on both fronts. “Alongside 'Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos', our forces continued uninterrupted counterterrorism operations in the western region, ensuring national security on all fronts.”

Read more: Pakistan observes 'Youm-e-Tashakur' to celebrate 'Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos' success

Paying tribute to those who lost their lives, Lt Gen Chaudhry offered prayers for the swift recovery of the wounded and commended the efforts of Pakistan’s armed forces. “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to every officer, soldier, airman and sailor of the Armed Forces of Pakistan who made this battlefield success possible through their courage, professionalism and sacrifice,” he said.

He praised the resilience of the Pakistani people during the crisis, saying, “The moral strength, unity, and prayers of the nation were a force multiplier for our armed forces.”

In particular, he applauded the youth of Pakistan, whom he described as the “frontline soldiers” in the information and cyber domains, countering misinformation and defending national interests online. He also thanked the Pakistani media for acting as a “steel wall” against hostile narratives.

Acknowledging the role of civilian leadership, he commended the country’s politicians for their support and praised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for making “destiny-changing decisions” during the conflict.

PAF achieved 6–0 victory over Indian Air Force: Air Vice Marshal Aurangzeb

Air Vice Marshal Aurangzeb Ahmed said that Pakistan Air Force (PAF) successfully intercepted Indian aggression by downing aircraft, neutralising drone threats, and striking military installations.

“India targeted Pakistani civilian populations using drones,” said Air Vice Marshal Ahmed. “The armed forces responded by destroying Indian military installations and terrorism training centres.”

He added that the PAF downed multiple Indian aircraft following their airspace violation. “In response to the Indian Air Force’s aggression, their fighter jets were shot down. Pakistan Air Force achieved a six-nil success ratio against the Indian Air Force,” he said.

Ahmed said Pakistan exercised caution when Indian drones entered civilian areas. “We took care to bring them down without causing civilian casualties. All drones and unmanned aircraft were detected in time,” he stated.

He further revealed that Pakistan’s air defence system successfully intercepted a BrahMos missile. “The BrahMos missile attack was neutralised by our air defence system. The PAF effectively targeted the enemy using its full capabilities,” he added.

On comparisons between the Indian Rafale jets and Pakistan’s indigenous fighters, Ahmed said: “Rafale is an excellent combat aircraft, but what truly matters is the pilot’s training. The JF-17 is a source of pride for Pakistan.”

Pakistan Navy maintained readiness against ‘numerically superior enemy’: Vice Admiral Nawaz

Vice Admiral Rab Nawaz stated that the Pakistan Navy successfully maintained maritime security against a “numerically superior enemy,” ensuring swift and invisible transition from peace to operational readiness amid recent tensions with India.

“On any given day of the year, we maintain perpetual readiness. Our ships and submarines are stocked up and for us, the transition from peace to war is not only swift, it is invisible,” said Vice Admiral Nawaz during a military briefing.

He noted that following the false flag incident in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), the Pakistan Navy completed its operational deployment within hours. “Our subs, our ships and aircraft were in their respective areas and we were ready to thwart any aggression from the sea.”

Highlighting the role of maritime domain awareness, he said, “To generate any response, you need to be aware of what’s happening in your area of responsibility and we were maintaining 24/7 vision at sea.”

Addressing the reported movement of India’s aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, he said, “There was a hype about INS Vikrant approaching Karachi. We were keeping a very close eye on the activities at sea. On the night of May 6 and 7, it was close to Bombay and on May 9, it was 400 nautical miles from the Pakistani coast and it retreated close to Bombay.”

He added that Pakistan’s Navy Maritime Air Arm was fully prepared to respond. “If a carrier gets within 400 nautical miles, it simplifies our problem,” he said. “I was in contact with Deputy Chief of Air Staff Aurangzeb at all times. If there was any aggression from the sea, we were ready to respond effectively.”

“As a pro military officer, I don’t want to underestimate the enemy, but let’s put some things in perspective. The Vikrant sails with 8–12 MiG-29s — barely essential to carry out its own air defence,” he remarked.

“The enemy fully understood the cost they would have to pay for venturing from the sea, and so they didn’t,” Vice Admiral Nawaz concluded.

Read More: US officials confirm Pakistan downed at least two Indian jets, including Rafale

Earlier on Saturday, India carried out airstrikes on three Pakistan Air Force (PAF) bases — Nur Khan, Murid, and Shorkot. In response, Pakistan launched a retaliatory military operation named ‘Bunyan-un-Marsoos’ against the Indian aggression. Following the intervention of US President Donald Trump to de-escalate tensions between the two nuclear-armed states, a ceasefire was reached.