Military says not concerned about Pakistan becoming ‘next target' after Iran conflict
Last month, Israel and USA launched strikes against Iran's nuclear facilities after Tel Aviv claimed Tehran was close to developing nuclear weapons, a charge the Islamic country denied.
Pakistan condemned the Israeli and American strikes, calling them a violation of international law. Islamabad has frequently assured the international community that its nuclear assets are safe, and it has developed atomic weapons only for deterrence purposes.
In an interview with Al Jazeera, Chaudhry was asked whether there was concern in the military establishment about Pakistan becoming the 'next target,' especially with regards to its nuclear program, following recent developments in Iran.
'There is absolutely no concern, whatsoever, in the military, that Pakistan can become the next target,' Chaudhry responded.
He added that Pakistan is an established and declared nuclear power, noting that the world is not experienced at even attempting to go into a 'misadventure' against such a country.
'And if such a misadventure is taken or attempted, then it will lead to horrific consequences which the world may not be able to endure,' he warned.
The military spokesperson reiterated that seeking conflict with a nuclear power is 'absurd, sheer stupidity and inconceivable.'
Fears of an all-out nuclear war broke out in early May when India and Pakistan engaged in the worst fighting between the nuclear-armed nations in decades.
India and Pakistan both traded missiles, struck each other with fighter jets, artillery fire and drones after Delhi blamed Islamabad for supporting an attack in Indian-administered Kashmir in April. Pakistan denied involvement and called for an international probe into the incident.
After four days of conflict and more than 70 people getting killed on both sides of the border, India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire on May 10 that was brokered by Washington.
The ceasefire has persisted yet tensions remain, as India remains adamant on holding in abeyance a decades-old water-sharing agreement with Pakistan.
Islamabad has warned that any attempt to divert or stop the flow of its waters would be treated as an 'act of war' and responded with full force.
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