Defence Minister Clarifies Remarks on Potential Conflict with India

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has addressed the controversy surrounding his recent statements regarding the possibility of war with India, asserting that his comments were misinterpreted and extracted from their original context.

In a released statement, Asif explained that during a discussion with an international news source, he was questioned about the prevailing circumstances.

“My response indicated that the subsequent two to three days would be critical given the current backdrop. I did not explicitly state that hostilities would commence within that timeframe. However, I emphasized the gravity of the situation and the tangible risk of armed conflict,” Asif elaborated.

The Defence Minister stressed the considerable peril confronting the region, marked by the deployment of forces along both sides of the Pakistan-India boundary. He affirmed, “We possess the mental fortitude required for war, and our collective armed forces stand prepared to safeguard the nation.”

Asif restated that should war be imposed on Pakistan, the nation would offer a robust defense. “We are fully capable of delivering a decisive response, and we will not hesitate to do so,” he asserted.

Pakistan’s Defence Minister conveyed that the country would retaliate forcefully if its territorial integrity were violated.

“Let there be no ambiguity: any act of aggression will be met with an overwhelming counter-response.”

Asif noted that Pakistan has already proposed an impartial investigation into the Pahalgam incident; however, India has yet to respond. He stated that the global community is aware of Pakistan’s desire for an unbiased inquiry into the matter.

“Our objective is to expose the unfounded accusations leveled against Pakistan, concealed behind the guise of the Pahalgam incident,” the Defence Minister explained.

Pakistan has pledged a resolute response to any miscalculated action initiated by India under the pretense of the Pahalgam false flag operation within Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

Khawaja Asif remarked that India has been endeavoring to withdraw from the Indus Waters Treaty for an extended period, adding that Pakistan stands ready to respond if India undertakes any aggressive measures.

He underscored that the Indus Waters Treaty, with the World Bank serving as guarantor, prohibits India from making unilateral decisions. He also mentioned that the treaty will be a key discussion point in the upcoming National Security Committee meeting.