Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has issued a stark warning to neighboring India amid rising military tensions, cautioning that if New Delhi continues to escalate hostilities, the situation could spiral into a nuclear conflict. In an exclusive interview with Geo News, Khawaja Asif declared that if war turns nuclear, India alone would be held responsible for the devastating consequences.
His remarks came just hours after a significant military confrontation between the two South Asian nuclear powers. Late last night, India reportedly launched what Pakistan has called a “cowardly attack” under the cover of darkness. In response, Pakistan’s armed forces launched a powerful counteroffensive, resulting in the downing of five Indian fighter jets and the destruction of key Indian military installations, including the brigade headquarters in a sensitive border region.
Pakistan’s Military Responds Swiftly and Decisively
Following the Indian incursion, the Pakistan Air Force and ground troops acted swiftly, targeting several Indian check posts and military infrastructure along the Line of Control (LoC). The Director-General of Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) presented footage to the media as evidence of Pakistan’s military success and to highlight the scale of the retaliatory strikes.
The footage showed heavy damage to Indian outposts, as well as wreckage believed to be from downed Indian aircraft. According to ISPR, the operations were a calibrated and proportionate response to Indian aggression, with the goal of defending Pakistan’s sovereignty and deterring further provocations.
Pakistan Authorizes Full Military Response
On the political front, Pakistan’s National Security Committee (NSC) convened an emergency session to evaluate the escalating security situation. Following the meeting, a statement was released granting full authority to the Pakistan Armed Forces to respond to Indian aggression in any form deemed appropriate.
The NSC emphasized that under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, Pakistan has the inherent right to self-defense. It added that the country reserves the right to retaliate against violations of its territorial integrity and the loss of innocent lives at a time and place of its choosing.
The official communique read, “Pakistan is committed to peace with dignity and mutual respect. However, it will never compromise on its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the security of its honorable people. The Armed Forces have been fully empowered to take whatever steps are necessary to protect national interests.”
Prime Minister and Allies Echo Resolve
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also weighed in on the developments, emphasizing that Pakistan’s armed forces had shown restraint despite India’s provocations. He stated that the Indian Air Force, which he described as overconfident due to the induction of Rafale fighter jets, was given a fitting reply.
If they had not acted cautiously, ten aircraft instead of five could have been shot down,the Prime Minister noted, adding that Pakistan had no desire for war but would defend its sovereignty at all costs.
In a related diplomatic development, the Afghan Foreign Ministry issued a statement calling for restraint from both sides, underscoring the regional implications of any conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
Nuclear War Not Off the Table, Says Asif
Defense Minister Khawaja Asif’s warning about the potential for nuclear conflict added a grave dimension to the standoff. He emphasized that Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal is strictly for deterrence but warned that any reckless military escalation by India could trigger catastrophic consequences.
We do not want war, and especially not a nuclear war,he said. But if India continues down this path of aggression and escalation, then it will be solely responsible for the outcome. The world must take note of India’s irresponsible actions.
Calls for International Mediation Grow
In the aftermath of the recent military exchange, diplomatic circles are calling for urgent de-escalation. Analysts believe that the international community, particularly the United Nations, the United States, and China, may need to intervene diplomatically to prevent a wider conflict.
Strategic analysts also highlighted the dangers of miscalculation when both countries possess nuclear weapons and advanced delivery systems. All it takes is one mistake or misread signal, one defense expert warned. And we could be looking at a regional disaster with global consequences.
With Pakistan’s military on high alert and full retaliatory powers delegated by the National Security Committee, the region stands on the edge of a dangerous precipice. While Pakistan insists it seeks peace with dignity, it has also made it clear that any threats to its sovereignty will be met with full force.
As tensions continue to rise, the international community watches closely, hoping diplomacy can prevail before the situation slips further out of control.
