ISLAMABAD: Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry has said Pakistan’s military modernisation strategy focuses on indigenous innovation and balanced international cooperation rather than competing in an arms race with India.

In an interview with Bloomberg, the DG ISPR said Pakistan’s defense development approach “has always been to incorporate effective and efficient platforms and domestic Pakistani technology.” He added that the country remains open to acquiring advanced systems from both Eastern and Western partners to strengthen its defense capabilities.

“Pakistan has never tried to play with or hide data and facts,” he said, emphasising that the country’s defense posture is transparent and not aimed at escalation.

The interview drew global attention after remarks concerning the recent Marka-e-Haq, an aerial confrontation between Pakistan and India. DG ISPR clarified that Indian forces failed to shoot down any Pakistani aircraft during the engagement, rejecting Indian media claims to the contrary.

Bloomberg, citing official sources, also reported that former US president Donald Trump had confirmed that seven Indian aircraft were downed during the conflict. The report said Pakistan’s Chinese-made J-10C fighter jets were responsible for shooting down several Indian aircraft, including at least one Rafale jet — a key asset in India’s air fleet.

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DG ISPR highlighted the growing effectiveness of Pakistan’s military arsenal, crediting both local and foreign platforms for recent operational successes. He praised Chinese-origin systems such as the J-10C fighter and Z-10ME attack helicopters, the latter officially inducted into service in August this year.

Despite deepening defense ties with China, Pakistan continues to maintain a diverse inventory that includes US-made F-16s, reflecting what DG ISPR described as a “balanced and pragmatic” approach to national defense.