Pakistan, May 11 -- ISLAMABAD - Retired Lieutenant General Aamir Riaz has strongly criticized India's political leadership, saying they placed an unrealistic burden on their armed forces, which they were unable to handle during the recent tensions with Pakistan.

Speaking about the recent escalation, Gen (R) Riaz stated that Pakistan remained patient but responded firmly when provoked, which ultimately forced India to agree to a ceasefire. He added that Pakistan achieved all its military objectives during the retaliatory strike.

According to Riaz, the Indian military was caught off guard by Pakistan's swift and strategic response. He said the surprise at the military level shook India's confidence, and the Indian leadership showed "irres...