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KARACHI: Stressing that the India-Pakistan conflict endures despite the “cease of fire” in May, the military’s chief spokesperson has called on Washington to intervene to resolve outstanding issues that persist between the nuclear-armed South Asian neighbours.
In an interview, aired by Pakistani TV channels on Friday and purportedly given to a German media house, Lt-Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry also affirmed that Pakistan had a longstanding relationship with the US, maintaining that “there is no either-or in our relations with other countries”.
When asked about Army Chief Asim Munir’s visits to the US and whether they had helped with “warming up” ties, the ISPR chief appreciated President Trump’s role in mediating a ceasefire between India and Pakistan after their four-day escalation.
“Over a period of time, we have been able to enhance and amplify on our convergences (with the US) and deftly managed the divergences,” he said.
“There are areas where a lot can be done, there are areas where a lot of engagement can be done,” he said, adding that “Pakistan views its relationship with the US as very important.”
“We don’t think that these relationships have anything to do — or there is either-or with other countries.” At this point, the interviewer interjected him to mention China, with the DG ISPR continuing — following a cut in the video — that “we, at the same time, have very constructive and strategic relationships with China and other countries.”
He said that there is a lot of “scope” for collaboration between the US and Pakistan on the matter of counterterrorism.
On the issue of strained relations with India, DG ISPR referred to the May escalation, noting that “On May 10, actually the fire ceased — it’s the cease of fire that happened, [but] the conflict endures.”
“We have no doubt in our minds in Pakistan that each and every incident of terrorism that happens in Pakistan — behind that is Indian support and its abetment.”
“Whether it is the Kashmir issue, whether it is state-sponsored terrorism of India, whether it is the rising extremism of Hindutva mentality, rationality that has gripped India… Pakistan believes that the issues need [a] resolution,” he said.
“Especially players like the USA, they must intervene,” he said.
Published in Dawn, September 20th, 2025
