Pakistan’s military on Saturday warned that any Indian aggression would be met with a “swift, decisive and destructive” response, following “provocative and jingoistic” statements from senior Indian defence officials.

In a strongly worded statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said the remarks from India’s security establishment posed a serious threat to regional peace and stability, adding that they reflected an “attempt to fabricate arbitrary pretexts for aggression.”

“We have noted with grave concern the delusional, provocative and jingoistic statements coming from the highest levels of the Indian security establishment. These irresponsible statements indicate a renewed attempt at fabricating arbitrary pretexts for aggression — a prospect which might lead to serious consequences for peace and stability in South Asia,” the statement said.

The ISPR said that India has been “playing the victim card” while stoking violence in the region.

“For decades, India has benefitted from playing the victim card and painting Pakistan in a negative light, while stoking violence and perpetrating terrorism in South Asia and beyond. This narrative has been sufficiently debunked and now the world recognises India as the true face of cross-border terrorism and the epicentre of regional instability,” it added.

The statement recalled earlier hostilities that had brought both nuclear-armed neighbours close to war.

“Earlier this year, the Indian aggression against Pakistan brought two nuclear powers to the brink of a major war. However, India seems to have forgotten the wreckage of its fighter jets and the wrath of Pakistan’s long-range vectors. Suffering from collective amnesia, India now seems to be aching for the next round of confrontation.”

The military spokesman also issued a stark warning over recent comments by India’s defence minister and top military leadership.

“In the face of highly provocative statements of the Indian Defence Minister and its Army and Air Chiefs, we caution that a future conflict might lead to cataclysmic devastation. In case a fresh round of hostilities is triggered, Pakistan shall not hold back. We shall resolutely respond, without any qualms or restraint.”

The ISPR said those “seeking to establish a new normal must know that Pakistan has established a new normal of response, which will be swift, decisive and destructive.”

“In the face of unwarranted threats and reckless aggression, the people and the Armed Forces of Pakistan have the capability and resolve to take the fight to every nook and corner of the enemy’s territory. This time, we shall shatter the myth of geographic immunity, hitting the farthest reaches of the Indian territory. As for the talk of erasing Pakistan from the map, India must know that if the situation comes, the erasure will be mutual.”