Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has issued a stern warning to India, advising it to refrain from any military misadventure, while reiterating that Pakistan is “fully prepared” to respond decisively to any act of aggression.
Speaking to the media amid rising tensions along the Line of Control (LoC), Asif said the situation is rapidly deteriorating and cautioned India against making any provocative moves. “If India tries any hostile action, it will receive a firm and clear response,” he said, adding that Pakistan is not only ready, but “200% ready” to defend itself.
Recalling past incidents, Asif referenced the 2019 aerial encounter in which Indian pilot Abhinandan Varthaman was captured and later released by Pakistan. “India paid the price for violating our airspace before — they should not forget that lesson,” he added.
The minister rejected Indian allegations blaming Pakistan for the recent Pahalgam attack, pointing out that many Muslim civilians were also among the victims. He criticized Indian media, describing it as “Bollywood-inspired propaganda” lacking seriousness in its reporting.
Asif also accused India of backing banned militant groups to carry out terrorist activities inside Pakistan, referring to these as Indian “proxies.”
In an interview with British media, he warned that any escalation could lead to a direct conflict between two nuclear-armed nations, with consequences far beyond the South Asian region. “The world must take this threat seriously — one wrong move could lead to widespread destruction,” he said.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Asif called out Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s policies in Kashmir, citing the prolonged curfews, militarization, and suppression of civil liberties. He added that such oppression would inevitably lead to consequences, quoting, “When you imprison an entire generation, the outcome is never peace.”
He further warned that India’s internal divisions — from Manipur and Nagaland to Punjab and Kashmir — could be exacerbated by its current political trajectory. “Hindutva extremism will fragment India beyond recognition,” he said. “You are not just the Prime Minister of Gujarat; you are the Prime Minister of a diverse India.”
Concluding his remarks, Asif urged India to “spread love and tolerance” rather than hatred. “Do not export terrorism to Canada, the U.S., or your neighbours. Stay within your limits and live in peace — both inside your country and with those around you.”
