General Aamer Raza warns adversaries against miscalculation

Pakistan’s Commander National Strategic Command, General Aamer Raza, has warned that any miscalculation by hostile forces would trigger a response beyond their expectations, stressing that conflict between nuclear-armed states could have serious consequences.

Addressing the passing-out parade of cadets from the 154th Long Course at the Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) in Kakul on Saturday, October 17, Gen Raza reaffirmed the armed forces’ commitment to defending the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

He said Pakistan remained firm in its stance against hostile actions and warned adversaries against taking any steps that could threaten regional stability. He stressed that there was no room for war in a nuclearised environment and that any attempt to challenge Pakistan’s security would be met with a strong response.

His remarks came days after Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh warned that any fresh terrorist activity originating from Pakistan would invite a military strike greater than the previous one.

Gen Raza also highlighted the growing threat of misinformation and propaganda, saying Pakistan’s adversaries were attempting to create divisions between the public and the armed forces through disinformation campaigns and narrative warfare.

He said that following the failure of Operation Sindoor, hostile elements had sought to weaken Pakistan’s social cohesion and state institutions by escalating proxy terrorism and unconventional warfare. He added that such efforts aimed to exploit internal vulnerabilities and undermine national unity.

The commander urged the graduating cadets to remain committed to their responsibilities and resist misleading narratives. He emphasised that protecting national unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity remained a fundamental responsibility of the armed forces and the nation.

Discussing Pakistan’s regional role, Gen Raza said changing geopolitical dynamics and the growing conflict in the Middle East had further highlighted the country’s strategic importance. He pointed to the Islamabad Accord as an example of Pakistan’s efforts to promote regional stability through diplomacy. He also described the Makkah Accord as part of the broader vision for lasting peace.

He expressed solidarity with the Palestinian people, condemning the continued suffering of civilians and the destruction of civilian infrastructure. He said Pakistan would maintain its diplomatic, moral and political support for Palestinians, adding that attacks on non-combatants and violations of international law remained serious concerns.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Foreign Office strongly condemned Singh’s recent remarks, describing them as provocative and reflective of a hostile approach that could undermine peace in South Asia.

Foreign Office spokesperson Sajjad Haider Khan said Pakistan had demonstrated its ability and determination to defend its sovereignty during the military confrontation with India in May 2025. He stressed that Pakistan remained fully prepared to respond to any aggression.

The spokesperson warned that Pakistan’s restraint and commitment to peace should not be interpreted as weakness. He urged India to avoid dangerous rhetoric, act responsibly and draw lessons from the previous confrontation to prevent further escalation.

The statements come amid renewed tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours, with both sides exchanging warnings over security threats and potential military action.