RAWALPINDI: Pakistan’s military has challenged an Indian claim that a former Pakistan Army soldier was killed during an operation in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir.
Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry presented retired Havaldar Muhammad Asif before the media at a press conference on Thursday.
Indian media had reported that security forces killed a militant identified as Muhammad Asif alias Hashim Musa. The reports also linked him to the Pakistan Army’s Special Services Group (SSG).
Pakistan Presents Retired Soldier
Lt Gen Chaudhry said the episode began on September 29. According to his account, an Indian Army formation posted on social media that security forces had launched an operation in the Korag area of Yousmarg.
Later, Indian reports identified the person killed as Muhammad Asif. They described him as a former SSG soldier and linked him to several militant attacks.
However, Pakistan disputed those claims. The ISPR chief then called Muhammad Asif to the press conference.
Asif told journalists that he was alive and living in Rawalpindi. He said he retired from the SSG in 2023 and currently works for a private security company.
He also said friends and relatives contacted him after seeing reports of his alleged death. According to Asif, he was at home when the reports appeared.
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Indian Claims Disputed
Lt Gen Chaudhry described the Indian account as a “false flag” operation. He said the Indian narrative changed after the initial report about a militant being killed.
Indian media reports, cited by Pakistani outlets, had also published personal and service details about the alleged militant. Those reports linked him to the SSG and several attacks.
Pakistan has rejected those allegations. However, the Indian government and military have maintained their own account of the operation. The competing claims have not been independently resolved.
Pakistan Warns Against Escalation
Meanwhile, the ISPR chief said Pakistan would defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
He warned that Pakistan would respond to any military aggression. He also said the country’s armed forces remain prepared to deal with security threats.
Furthermore, Lt Gen Chaudhry said the military follows the Constitution and state directives. He said the armed forces have no role in political affairs.
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Security Concerns in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan
The ISPR chief also discussed internal security challenges.
He said Pakistan would continue efforts to protect civilians in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. He also accused the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) of receiving support from elements based in Afghanistan.
Those allegations reflect Pakistan’s stated security position. Afghanistan and the groups concerned have disputed various Pakistani accusations in the past.
