Former foreign secretary Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry has emphasized that any future dialogue between Pakistan and India must include firm preconditions to halt what he described as New Delhi’s recurring “war theatrics” staged every two years.
Speaking during a televised interview, Chaudhry stressed the need for binding assurances to prevent India from provoking regional tensions under the guise of self-defense. “We must be clear and resolute that this biennial drama ends now,” he stated, accusing the Modi-led Indian government of exploiting hostility for domestic political advantage and fueling anti-Pakistan sentiment among the public.
He asserted that Pakistan had shown restraint in the face of provocation, alleging that India launched drones across the border and then falsely claimed that Pakistan had fired missiles first. “They created a fabricated narrative to justify their aggression. In contrast, Pakistan handled the situation responsibly and truthfully,” he said.
Chaudhry proposed the formation of a permanent joint commission between the two nations to investigate cross-border incidents and prevent misunderstandings from escalating. “A defined mechanism must be in place. When such events occur, an immediate commission should be established through agreed-upon protocols,” he suggested.
The former diplomat also condemned the role of Indian media, accusing it of fueling tensions by spreading misinformation at an unprecedented scale. “Their media has gone beyond journalistic norms and continues to build a narrative based on falsehoods,” he added.
Highlighting India’s threats to disrupt Pakistan’s water supply, Chaudhry labeled such actions as intolerable and a violation of international standards. “This is a serious breach of trust. There must be a written, enforceable agreement that India will not weaponize water,” he said.
Chaudhry concluded that unless there are guarantees on two key issues—India’s aggressive military posturing and disinformation tactics—there is little value in restarting peace negotiations. “Without assurances on these fronts, dialogue will yield no meaningful outcome,” he maintained.
