Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has warned India that any aggressive act would face a robust and proportionate retaliation from Pakistan. Speaking to the Russian media, he assured that Pakistan wishes for peace but will not stop short of any action if tensions are heightened by India. He dismissed India’s allegations of Pakistani interference in regional instability, laying the blame for previous errors and Western policies on terrorism.
Khawaja Asif further charged India with assisting terrorism with the help of Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), the provision of arms and intelligence for targeting Pakistani cities. He again raised the role of Indian consulates in Afghanistan to arm the terror groups. With tensions already mounting, Khawaja Asif urged the two countries to remain cautious in order not to precipitate an all-out war.
India’s Blame on Pakistan: Baseless Allegations
Khawaja Asif dismissed India’s allegations that Pakistan is behind terrorism in Pahalgam. He clarified that Pakistan is not party to the problems India accuses it of. Asif referred to Western powers, particularly the United States, as the source of regional terrorism.
He clarified that Pakistan’s role in the Afghan war in the 1980s, under Western influence, was a grave error that still impacts the region today.
Pakistan’s Position: Aversion to Escalation
Khawaja Asif reaffirmed that Pakistan does not want to escalate the tensions with India. At the same time, he warned that if India were to instigate a military action, Pakistan would respond in a strong manner.
According to him, Pakistan will take action that is required for its defense but wishes India not to escalate the situation. His words reflect Pakistan’s preference for peace while remaining prepared to act against aggression.
Allegations against India: Encouraging Terrorism
Making a very bold accusation, Asif charged India with encouraging terrorism in Pakistan. He exposed that Pakistan has reliable evidence showing India’s involvement in terrorism in the form of attacks by the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
Khawaja Asif claimed that India supplies arms, including Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), to TTP operatives to attack major cities in Pakistan. This allegation adds another level of animosity to the already toxic relationship between the two countries.
India’s Role in Afghan Conflict
Khawaja Asif remembered that during the Ashraf Ghani regime, India operated several consulates in Afghanistan, which were allegedly used to finance and equip terrorist organizations by Pakistan.
He contended that the present Indian government, led by PM Narendra Modi, follows the same extremist policy that resulted in the Gujarat violence. These comments stoke fears regarding India’s role in destabilizing the region.
Regional Tensions and Global Implications
Increased tensions between India and Pakistan pose important dangers for regional and global security. Both nations possess nuclear capabilities, and a war could lead to catastrophic effects.
The world should take notice of these events and attempt to lessen tensions. India’s charges challenge its strategic ambitions and the role its actions play in maintaining regional stability.
Future of Indo-Pak Relations: Peace or Conflict?
Khawaja Asif’s remarks indicate the tenuous nature of Indo-Pakistani relations. While Pakistan does not want to go to war, the increasing allegations and accusations of terrorism indicate that tensions will continue.
Both countries need to move carefully to avoid further escalation. Diplomatic action, with the help of the international community, is essential in ensuring that peace wins.
