RAWALPINDI: The Director Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) voiced deep concern over what it called provocative and irresponsible statements by India’s military and political leadership ahead of state elections, warning that such rhetoric risks fueling regional instability and could have serious consequences for peace in South Asia.

The military’s media wing accused sections of India’s leadership of launching an inflammatory propaganda campaign — described by the ISPR as “Bollywood-style” and politically motivated — aimed at manufacturing pretexts for aggression and shaping public opinion before polls. The statement said this pattern of jingoistic messaging has reappeared about five months after “Ma’rakah-e-Haq”.

The ISPR argued that the narrative used to portray India as a victim while maligning Pakistan has been thoroughly debunked and claimed the international community increasingly recognises India as a source of cross-border terrorism and a centre of regional instability.

It warned that reckless statements by a nuclear-armed neighbour’s leadership could inflame “war fever” and lead to unintended and grave outcomes.

Describing the remarks as evidence of political pressure on India’s military leadership, the ISPR said every professional soldier understands that needless bluster can provoke — and that “warmongering” rhetoric may be used to fabricate arbitrary pretexts for aggression. The statement called on Indian leaders to desist from escalation and to act responsibly for the sake of regional stability.

The ISPR also issued a stern reminder that Pakistan’s armed forces and the nation remain prepared to defend their territory.

It said any act of aggression would be met with “speed, resolve and force,” and stressed that Pakistan’s responses would be calibrated to defend national interests and be remembered by future generations.