Speaking to a British news channel, Dulat said India had tried from the beginning to isolate Pakistan globally through lobbying efforts, available resources and proxy channels, but failed to achieve its objective.
Relations between Pakistan and India have remained tense in recent years, with diplomatic engagement largely stalled. The two neighbouring countries have also witnessed border clashes and a brief 87-hour conflict last year.
During the May 2025 conflict, Pakistan claimed it shot down eight Indian aircraft, including four Dassault Rafale jets, one Sukhoi Su-30, one Mikoyan MiG-29, one Dassault Mirage 2000, along with a multi-role unmanned aerial system and dozens of drones.
The conflict between the two nuclear-armed nations ended on May 10 after a ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States.
Following the conflict, Pakistan emerged as a regional stabilising force by facilitating mediation efforts between the United States and Iran, helping secure a fragile 14-day ceasefire that was later extended.
During the interview, A. S. Dulat said it was a misconception in India that Pakistan would eventually disintegrate, insisting that the country would remain intact.
According to him, the current regional situation suggested that India itself was increasingly facing diplomatic and political isolation.
Commenting on Pakistan’s military leadership, he said Asim Munir was receiving growing international recognition and attention.
He further claimed that US President Donald Trump had referred to Field Marshal Munir as his “favourite field marshal”.
Trump has repeatedly praised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Asim Munir following the ceasefire and Pakistan’s role in hosting negotiations between Washington and Tehran.
Dulat also said Pakistan’s balanced and active diplomatic engagement as a mediator had strengthened its standing within the international community.
Speaking on Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, the former intelligence chief said the less visible aspect of the issue remained the ongoing unrest, uncertainty and sense of deprivation among the people.
