Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir has warned of a strong and tough response to any military audacity by India. He made these comments while inspecting a military exercise called 'Hammer Strike' in Jhelum district of Punjab province on Thursday (May 1).

Standing on an army tank, General Munir told the soldiers, "There is no ambiguity here - if India shows military audacity, Pakistan will give a strong, swift and tough response. We believe in regional stability, but our readiness and resolve to protect national interests are final."

The country's English daily The Dawn reported, citing the Pakistan Military Public Relations Office (ISPR), that the Mongla Strike Corps' ultimate readiness and offensive capabilities were displayed in this exercise. There, General Munir reiterated his commitment to protecting the integrity of Pakistan, in addition to boosting the morale and spirit of the army.

Meanwhile, Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said in a press conference, "Pakistan will never choose the path of aggression. However, if India starts aggression, we will give a strong response." He also said, "The world community is now calling for restraint. The government and nation of Pakistan have clearly stated that we will not start the war first, but if India starts, the response will be very strong."

Behind the recent Pak-India tension is a horrific gun attack that took place in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir on April 22. India has claimed that Pakistan was indirectly involved in the attack. Since this allegation, new tensions have arisen between the two countries.

In this context, the Pakistani Foreign Minister said, "India is using this incident for political purposes. They have created a tense atmosphere, which can destabilize not only Pakistan but the entire region."