ISLAMABAD: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has clarified his recent comments about the possibility of war with India, saying his remarks were taken out of context by the media. He emphasized that Pakistan remains committed to peace but is fully prepared to defend itself if provoked.
Misquoted Remarks on War Clarified
In a statement issued on Monday, Khawaja Asif explained that during an interview with an international media outlet, he was asked about the current regional tensions.
“I said the next two to three days are crucial due to the situation’s seriousness,” he stated. “I never claimed war would erupt in that period. I only highlighted the gravity of the threat we face.”
Pakistan Prepared for Any Aggression
The Defence Minister stressed that Pakistan remains mentally and strategically prepared for any conflict. He assured the nation that the armed forces are ready to respond to any external aggression with full force.
“Pakistan’s Army, Navy, and Air Force are fully alert,” he said. “If war is imposed on us, we will respond with a crushing reply. No one should doubt our capability or resolve.”
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Strong Message to India Over Border Tensions
With military build-ups reported on both sides of the Pakistan-India border, Khawaja Asif warned India against any misadventure. He stated clearly that Pakistan will not allow any violation of its territorial integrity.
“If our geographical boundaries are crossed, a befitting response will follow,” he said. “Our forces will not hesitate to defend every inch of our land.”
False Flag Operation in Pahalgam Under Scrutiny
Touching upon the Pahalgam incident in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), the defence minister reiterated that Pakistan had already called for an impartial international inquiry. However, he pointed out that India has failed to respond to this offer.
“We want to expose the baseless accusations leveled against us in the name of the Pahalgam incident,” Asif said. “India’s silence speaks volumes, and the world is beginning to see who truly seeks peace.”
Pakistan believes India is trying to use the Pahalgam incident as a pretext to escalate tensions and divert global attention from the situation in Kashmir.
Indus Waters Treaty Back in Focus
Asif also warned India against making unilateral decisions regarding the Indus Waters Treaty. He accused India of trying to bypass international norms and undermine the agreement brokered by the World Bank.
“The Indus Waters Treaty does not give India the right to take independent action,” he said. “This matter will be a top priority in the upcoming National Security Committee meeting.”
Pakistan’s Message: Peace, But Not at the Cost of Sovereignty
In conclusion, Khawaja Asif underlined Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace, but warned that any aggressive move by India will be met with a decisive response.
“We are a peaceful nation,” he said, “but our silence should never be mistaken for weakness. We are ready, and we will defend our sovereignty at all costs.”
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