India Intensifies Proxy Warfare Following Military Setback, Says Pakistan Army Chief

In a forceful declaration during the 271st Corps Commanders’ Conference at the General Headquarters (GHQ) on July 10, Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, asserted that India is ramping up its efforts to destabilize Pakistan through covert proxy operations, following what he termed a “clear defeat” in the India-Pakistan military conflict earlier this year.

Referring to the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack, COAS Munir stated that after India’s unsuccessful military aggression, it has now resorted to clandestine warfare. He described the alleged proxy agents as “Fitna-al-Khawarij and Fitna-al-Hindustan”—terminology ”commonly used by Pakistan to label extremist groups reportedly funded and directed by Indian intelligence.

The recent flare-up in tensions began after the April 22 Pahalgam incident, which New Delhi blamed on Islamabad — a claim Pakistan strongly rejected due to a lack of evidence. The conflict quickly escalated, with Indian airstrikes on May 6–7 causing civilian casualties. A brief missile exchange followed, before a ceasefire was brokered by the United States to halt further hostilities.

A day before the commanders’ meeting, Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, publicly accused Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval of masterminding terrorist plots in Pakistan. He reinforced Islamabad’s long-standing claim that India is funding and supporting terror outfits to destabilize the region.

The military leadership unanimously condemned the latest attacks believed to be carried out by “Indian-sponsored proxies” and paid tribute to the sacrifices of Pakistani soldiers. The ISPR statement reaffirmed that the Pakistan Army would take decisive action to preserve national security and that the blood of the martyrs would not go unavenged.

Above all, the forum stressed that protecting the people of Pakistan remains the armed forces’ highest duty. It pledged unwavering unity and resolve in the face of all external threats, ensuring the nation’s sovereignty and peace remain intact.