Pakistan’s top commander criticizes Rajnath Singh’s remarks about future terror attacks

Union Defense Minister Rajnath Singh. File | Photo credit: ANI

Pakistan’s top military commander criticized Defense Minister Rajnath Singh’s remarks that any future terrorist act originating from the country would provoke an even “stronger response”.

“Our position remains firm and unequivocal towards those who are harboring hostile plans beyond our borders. There is no room for conflict or war in a nuclear environment,” General Aamer Raza of the National Strategic Command said on Saturday (October 17, 2026).

Mr. Raza was addressing a parade of cadets of the 154th Long Course at the premier Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) in Kakulu, where he reiterated that Pakistan was ready to “defend every inch” of its territory.

His remarks came a day after Pakistan’s foreign ministry condemned Mr Singh’s remarks.

“Pakistan rejects and condemns the provocative remarks of the Indian Defense Minister…,” foreign ministry spokesman Sajjad Haider Khan said on Friday.

Speaking at a defense conclave in New Delhi on Thursday (15 October), Mr Singh said any future act of terrorism emanating from Pakistan would provoke an even “stronger response”, marking a decisive shift in India’s response to Operation Sindoor, the Balakot airstrikes and surgical strikes.

Calling Mr Singh’s statement “reckless”, Mr Khan said Pakistan remained fully prepared to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity against any “reckless aggression”.

The defense minister said Pakistan’s restraint and commitment to peace should not be mistaken for weakness and warned that any aggression would be met with a strong response.

Published – 17 October 2026 14:40 IST