“DG ISPR: Pakistan Balances Relations with US, China Amid Terrorism & India Tensions”

Pakistan’s Foreign Policy is Not ‘Either-Or’, Says DG ISPR

ISPR Director General Lt-Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry has reaffirmed that Pakistan’s foreign relations are based on balance and strategic partnerships with all major powers, stressing that the country will not choose between the United States and China.

Strong Ties with the United States

Speaking in an interview with a German publication, Lt-Gen Chaudhry said Pakistan maintains a longstanding partnership with Washington. He praised President Trump’s role in facilitating the ceasefire between Pakistan and India in May, following four days of escalation.

He noted that both nations continue to expand their shared interests while managing differences diplomatically. The DG ISPR added that counterterrorism cooperation is an area where “a lot more can be done”.

Relations with China Remain Strategic

The DG ISPR clarified that Pakistan’s partnership with the US does not affect its strategic and constructive relationship with China. He emphasized:

“There is no either-or. Pakistan believes in building strong, balanced ties with all partners.”

Terrorism & US Weapons in Afghanistan

Lt-Gen Chaudhry expressed concern about the US weapons left behind in Afghanistan, citing that more than $7.2 billion worth of arms were abandoned after the withdrawal of US and NATO forces.

He revealed that many of these weapons were recovered from militants involved in the Mianwali airbase attack in November 2023, and confirmed that Pakistan has been sharing this data with Washington.

Pakistan-India Conflict

Addressing ties with India, Chaudhry pointed to continued hostilities despite the ceasefire in May 2025. He accused India of state-sponsored terrorism, Kashmir suppression, and spreading extremist Hindutva ideology.

“We have no doubt that every terror attack inside Pakistan has Indian involvement,” he said, adding that the TTP and BLA are India’s main proxy tools.

Balochistan & Missing Persons

Rejecting claims of insurgency, the DG ISPR clarified that Pakistan faces terrorism, not insurgency. On the Balochistan issue, he stated:

• “Half of the missing persons are linked with BLA militants.”

• Many killed in counterterrorism operations were later listed as ‘missing persons’.

• He also claimed that the number of missing persons is higher in Punjab and Sindh compared to Balochistan.