In a world grappling with regional tensions and military escalations, the call for peace stands as a powerful message. In a recent address, Pakistan’s Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) reiterated a stance that cuts through decades of strained regional dynamics: “Our priority is peace.” These words, echoing beyond diplomatic circles, have become a symbol of Pakistan’s post-ceasefire posture, especially in the context of its complex and often volatile relationship with neighboring India.

The statement comes as a reaffirmation of the ceasefire agreement along the Line of Control (LoC) between India and Pakistan, a rare but welcomed diplomatic thaw that took effect in February 2021. More than two years on, this ceasefire continues to hold, and Pakistan’s military leadership is making it clear: the country seeks progress, not provocation.

Reaffirming a Ceasefire Built on Hope

Tensions between India and Pakistan, both nuclear-armed nations, have historically been centered around the Kashmir dispute, a long-standing territorial issue that has triggered wars, skirmishes, and countless lives lost on both sides. The Line of Control, which effectively acts as the de facto border in the disputed Jammu and Kashmir region, has seen frequent violations and cross-border shelling for decades.

But in February 2021, in a surprising but significant joint statement, the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMO) of both countries agreed to observe a ceasefire along the LoC and all other sectors. The agreement, while not a formal treaty, signaled a potential shift toward de-escalation. It was a step that drew cautious optimism from the international community and welcomed relief for civilians living along the border.

Fast forward to 2025, the agreement still holds—a feat that, in itself, is a diplomatic and military milestone. Against this backdrop, the recent comments from the DG ISPR underscore Pakistan’s continued commitment to peaceful resolution and regional stability.

“Pakistan Is Not a Violent Nation”

 

During a press briefing, Major General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, the current DG ISPR, made headlines with his candid assertion: “Pakistan is not a violent nation. Our armed forces are always prepared to defend our sovereignty, but war is never our first choice. Peace is.”

This message, delivered in both Urdu and English, struck a chord domestically and internationally. It emphasized a key shift in narrative—one that distances Pakistan from past associations with militarism and highlights its evolving priorities, such as economic development, regional cooperation, and counterterrorism collaboration.

The DG’s comments also addressed a common criticism levied against Pakistan: the notion that it is inherently aggressive or militaristic in nature. By directly confronting this stereotype, the military spokesperson reinforced a broader shift in the country’s strategic communication and public diplomacy.

India-Pakistan: A Fragile Yet Vital Peace

The relationship between India and Pakistan remains deeply complex and often fragile. While the ceasefire agreement has significantly reduced cross-border violence, tensions continue to simmer under the surface, particularly after incidents like the 2019 Pulwama attack and Balakot airstrikes.

Despite these challenges, the ceasefire has endured. According to independent monitoring groups and local reports, the frequency of LoC violations has dropped by over 90% since early 2021. For the nearly 3 million civilians residing in border villages, this means fewer deaths, safer homes, and restored livelihoods.

Pakistan’s military leadership has pointed to this period of relative calm as evidence of the country’s genuine commitment to peace, but not without caveats. The DG ISPR stressed that peace must be reciprocal, noting that Pakistan reserves the right to respond with full force if provoked.

“We do not seek conflict, but we will not shy away from defending our people and our territory,” Chaudhry said, balancing diplomacy with deterrence.

Security Challenges and Pakistan’s Evolving Strategy

Pakistan continues to face significant internal and external security challenges. From terrorist activities in its western provinces to geopolitical maneuvering in South Asia, the military has had to recalibrate its strategic priorities. While counterterrorism operations within the country remain ongoing, there has been a clear pivot toward diplomacy and dialogue, particularly with neighboring countries.

In line with this evolving posture, Pakistan has also taken steps to strengthen border management, invest in modern defense technology, and enhance cooperation with multilateral institutions like the United Nations and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). The emphasis has shifted from reactive aggression to proactive peacebuilding.

Importantly, the military’s communication arm, ISPR, has also transformed in recent years. No longer solely a mouthpiece for defense operations, the ISPR now plays a crucial role in shaping public opinion and projecting Pakistan’s image internationally. The DG’s recent statement is emblematic of this new approach—blending military preparedness with an overt call for peace.

The Global Context: Why Peace Messaging Matters Now

Pakistan’s peace-first narrative arrives at a time when the global landscape is fraught with iinstability y—from the Russia-Ukraine war to tensions in the South China Sea. As international pressure mounts on regional powers to act responsibly, countries like Pakistan are increasingly aware of the need to project stability and restraint.

Furthermore, Pakistan’s economic situation demands a peaceful environment. Ongoing efforts to secure investment through projects like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) require sustained stability, particularly in border areas. Peace with India, even if uneasy, allows the country to focus inward,  d—tackling inflation, unemployment, and climate-related disasters without the distraction of constant military escalations.

For  India, too, peace serves national interests. As Asia’s two largest nations after China, India and Pakistan have far more to gain from cooperation than conflict. While deep political mistrust remains, the mutual observance of the ceasefire is a rare point of agreement in an otherwise fraught relationship.

Public Reception and Media Response

Domestically, the DG ISPR’s comments have been met with a mixed but largely supportive response. Civil society groups, political commentators, and citizens have applauded the reaffirmation of peace as a strategic priority. On social media platforms, hashtags like #PakistanForPeace and #CeasefireMatters trended for several days following the press conference.

Internationally, analysts have noted the significance of the statement as part of a broader diplomatic recalibration. While skepticism remains in some qua, ters—particularly given the historical pattern of fla, e-ups—many acknowledge that sustained communication and mutual restraint are the only viable path forward.

Conclusion: A Hopeful Future Amidst Cautious Realism

The declaration that “peace  first priority” may sound idealistic in a region marred by decades of hostility. But from the lips of a top military official, it carries weight—especially when backed by action. The continued adherence to the LoC ceasefire, reduction in cross-border incidents, and active peace messaging reflect a shift in tone and policy from Pakistan’s establishment.

That said, peace remains a process, not a moment. While the ceasefire is a critical first step, long-term resolution between India and Pakistan will require dialogue, trust-building, and addressing the core issues that fuel animosity.

Still, the DG ISPR’s remarks provide a rare and powerful counterpoint to the narrative of perpetual conflict. In an era where war talk often dominates headlines, Pakistan’s message is simple, yet profound:

“We are not a violent nation. Our priority is peace.”