Amid growing unease in the region, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has warned that the likelihood of a conflict with India is increasing. Speaking to reporters outside the Parliament, Asif expressed deep concern over the escalating situation, stating that many international players are attempting to prevent a clash, but tensions continue to build.
He emphasised that rather than easing, the risk of confrontation between the nuclear-armed neighbours is on the rise. “Chances (of conflict) are increasing with the passage of time; they are not decreasing,” Asif said, adding that while many nations are working behind the scenes to defuse the situation, the efforts so far have not succeeded in reducing the strain.
Firm warning over retaliation
The Defence Minister Khawaja Asif asserted that Pakistan is fully prepared to respond if provoked. “If there is a violation by India, we will respond, and the nature of our response will be determined by the Indian action,” he said, warning that no one should have doubts about Pakistan’s ability or resolve. Without going into specifics, Asif hinted that any retaliatory action would be stronger than the initial move by India.
He also invoked divine intervention, saying, “May God help to avert the situation,” while expressing hope that India would act with restraint and wisdom. His tone, though cautionary, carried an underlying message that Pakistan’s response would be firm and calibrated.
Backdrop of increased hostilities
Khawaja Asif’s remarks come against the backdrop of a deadly attack that claimed 26 lives, many of whom were tourists. The attack is considered one of the most significant terror incidents since the abrogation of Article 370, which removed the special status of Jammu and Kashmir in 2019. This development has been a longstanding point of friction between the two nations, with each side blaming the other for instability in the region.
Khawaja Asif’s statements add to the chorus of concern from Pakistani officials over what they see as growing aggression and unpredictability from India. While the Defence Minister Khawaja Asif refrained from issuing direct threats, the message was unmistakable: Pakistan is wary but ready, and is watching developments closely as diplomatic channels struggle to ease the tension.
