Pakistan's strategic forces chief cites nuclear arms after Rajnath Singh's warning on terrorism

Diplomatic and military tension between India and Pakistan is back in focus. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh issued a stern warning against terrorism on October 15, and it has caused a stir in Pakistan.

Singh had said that terrorist activity from across the border would not be tolerated. He had warned that if such an attempt were made again, India's response would be more terrible and intense than the earlier action. Unease has spread in Pakistan's military circles after the statement, and senior military officers there have tried to issue a counter-challenge.

Lt Gen Amer Raza, Commander of Pakistan's National Strategic Command, spoke at a passing-out parade at the Pakistan Military Academy on Saturday. In it, he responded to Singh's statement. Without naming India directly, he referred to nuclear weapons. "There is absolutely no room for war in this nuclear-armed South Asian region," he said. He also claimed that Pakistan's army is fully prepared to defend its borders. He further warned that if the enemy made any miscalculation or misadventure, it would face a response beyond imagination.

In his speech, Singh had made a special mention of the surgical strike, the Balakot air strike and Operation Sindoor. He said these actions showed a major change in India's security and counter-terrorism policy. He had also said plainly that India always wants peace with its neighbours, but that no one should make the mistake of taking this peace and restraint for weakness.

Meanwhile, the Pakistani military commander alleged in his speech that India is waging a "war of narratives" (information warfare) against Pakistan. He claimed that the enemy country is trying to create a rift between the people of Pakistan and its army. He also alleged that after Operation Sindoor, a plot is being hatched to destabilise Pakistan from within through proxy wars.

Pakistan's Foreign Office has also formally lodged a strong objection to Singh's statement. Pakistan has alleged that the Indian defence minister's statement is provocative and a sign of a hegemonic mindset. However, the commander's speech did not announce any actual military action or policy change in response to India's warning.

For now, verbal exchanges continue from both sides. Although Pakistan has referred to nuclear weapons and used harsh language, no actual military step has been announced.