Any military misadventure by India will be met with a swift response: COAS Gen Asim Munir
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Pakistan General Syed Asim Munir on Thursday issued a warning to India, saying, “Let there be no ambiguity: any military misadventure by India will be met with a swift, resolute, and notch-up response.”
Gen Asim Munir made these remarks during his visit to the Tilla Field Firing Ranges (TFFR) to witness the high-intensity, field training exercise, known as Hammer Strike, conducted by the Pakistan Army’s Mangla Strike Corps.
It merits a mention that these are the latest remarks by the Pakistan Army Chief amidst escalating tensions between India and Pakistan.
Pakistan Army conducts major military drill ‘Hammer Strike’
The Pakistan Army conducted a major war exercise known as “Hammer Strike” on Thursday to test its combat readiness, battlefield interoperability, and operational integration of advanced weapon systems in the field.
The media wing of the Pakistan armed forces, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), announced that Hammer Strike Exercise utilized a wide range of advanced capabilities.
The ISPR further stated that the military exercise included multi-role fighter aircraft, combat air assets, and long-range precision artillery.
Next-generation field engineering techniques were also used to simulate conventional combat situations.
Troops from all services and arms demonstrated exceptional combat interoperability, mobility, and proficiency during coordinated offensive operations.
According to ISPR, the proficiency of the military forces is a reflection of the high standard of training and professional competence.
Exercise Hammer Strike is a manifestation of the growing capability of the Pakistan Army to utilize new technologies in kinetic and non-kinetic operations.
Indian government closes its airspace for Pakistan, Indian media reports
According to Indian media, India has announced the close of its airspace for all Pakistan-registered aircraft amidst escalating tensions between India and Pakistan.
According to details, this restriction will be in effect from April 30 to May 23, 2025, during which no Pakistani aircraft will be permitted to enter Indian airspace.
It merits a mention that Pakistan closed its airspace for Indian-registered aircraft in response to Indian unilateral suspension of Indus Waters Treaty.
Tensions between the two nuclear-armed countries have escalated, with many countries calling for restraint and dialogue.
Under the new restrictions, civilian and military aircraft are barred from flying over these cities — a move often seen in anticipation of high-risk military activity or response.
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, DG ISPR give breifing on Pakistan-India Tensions
“Pakistan condemns all forms of terrorism and its manifestations,” says FM Dar. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, has stated that Pakistan condemns the loss of innocent lives in the Pahalgam attack.
“We are concerned over the loss of life during the Pahalgam attack. We also extend our condolences. Being a victim of terrorism itself, no one can feel the pain of those impacted by this scourge like Pakistan,” Dar said.
“No cause or objective can justify taking the lives of innocent people. This is the national and Islamic policy: killing of a human being is tantamount to killing entire humanity as per the [Holy] Quran and saving a life is tantamount to saving entire humanity.”
“Pakistan has been the victim of terrorism that is sponsored and backed by India. India has fomented terrorism in many countries,” says Dar.
If India plans any misadventure, then Pakistan will respond “very strongly”, says FM Ishaq Dar in a press conference on April 30.
The Deputy Prime Minister has also stated that if India decides to divert its rightful waters in the Indus River, then Pakistan will consider it as “act of war.”
“At the same time, all such incidents are used to whip up domestic political sentiment for narrow political gains. We remain extremely concerned at the very vitriolic, highly inflammatory and blatantly Islamophobic narrative being directed against Kashmiris and Indian Muslims.”
“Pakistan has neither any connection … nor is the potential beneficiary. At a time when the economy is stabilising and we are making significant progress against terrorism, we need to question why this situation is being created by India all of a sudden and what is the motivation behind it.”
“India is involved in state-sponsored cross-border terrorism against Pakistan,” Lt Gen Chaudhry categorically stated.
“It has been seven days since the Pahalgam attack, yet not a single shred of evidence has been provided to substantiate the baseless allegations levelled against Pakistan,” he added.
The DG ISPR said that India has been found operating terror networks inside Pakistan, wherein explosives, IEDs, and other lethal materials are being supplied to terrorists with the intent to target not only security forces but also innocent civilians.
“This irrefutable evidence is just one small component of the broader pattern of state-sponsored terrorism being orchestrated by India,” he added.
“Pakistan military is a battle-hardened army, they [India] may want to activate our Eastern front to make space for terror activities on our Western Front,” stated the DG ISPR.
“If military intervention takes place, that will be India’s choice—where it leads is Pakistan’s choice,” asserts the DG ISPR. A journalist asked the DG ISPR about a military exercise being undertaken by armed forces, to which, he replied, “You have just mentioned one war exercise. Rest assured, the armed forces of Pakistan are absolutely prepared and ready for anything.”
In response to a question from a journalist, the military spokersperson stated, “We are a responsible state which believes in constructive engagement and peace. As the Pakistan Army stated before in 2019 during Pulwama incident, we will not strike first. Should India decide to go down this path, then our message is clear: We are ready – do not test us!”
Pakistan-India Tensions: Pak Army conducts war exercises
Amidst rising tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours, the Pak Army is prepared for any misadventures by India as it undertakes major military exercises.
Security sources have revealed that tanks, artillery, infantry, small and large weapons are being used in the major war drills.
These war exercises are being conducted in Sialkot, Narowal, Zafarwal, and Shakar Garh, and other areas.
Security sources stated that Pakistan Army soldiers are determined to defend their homeland, and every soldier is ready to sacrifice himself for the security and territorial integrity.
