The Indian Express reference does not open. Perhaps if you have access to it, it would help to examine its contents. There is not a single authentic report about this remark, and every single report is by a Pakistani source. That includes the 36 PMA Long Course account by Brig. Mohammad Ajmal, PA (retd.), who does not mention where he got to hear this - or read this. Apparently, along with the celestial horsemen who defended Lahore, this is a very popular account in Pakistani circles.
As it rests on nothing, no printed report of the time, except the Indian Express URL which could not be opened, I beg that you will not oppose it being called propaganda. It is avoidable, and should not be seen in the company of facts.