Following India’s military strikes against terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK), tensions between the two nuclear nations escalated. Pakistan’s Defence Minister, Khawaja Asif, underscored that Islamabad is willing to de-escalate if India does the same.
The statement was made hours after India’s retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians, the majority of whom were tourists. Asif’s remarks mirror Pakistan’s position on the crisis—Pakistan will not start hostilities but will retaliate against any attack.
Khawaja Asif Demands De-escalation
Pakistan’s Defence Minister, while giving an interview to Bloomberg Television, said that the nation would retaliate only if provoked. “We have been repeating all along in the last fortnight that we’ll never launch anything belligerent against India. But if we are attacked, we’ll retaliate,” Asif said. His words indicate Pakistan’s inclination towards peace but a stern threat of revenge if the situation worsens.
Khawaja Asif confirmed that Pakistan would “wrap up” the tension in case India decides to back off. This remark is a significant departure, where he is stressing the willingness of Pakistan to ease tensions, but only if India withdraws. Yet, he made it clear that there are no known initiatives or plans for peace negotiations, which underscores the increasing impasse.
Retaliatory Strikes and Pakistan’s Response
India’s missile attack earlier this week was aimed at nine terror camps in Pakistan and POK as a retaliatory measure for the Pahalgam attack. The attack resulted in the death of 26 individuals, most of whom were tourists, forcing India to retaliate. The attack was regarded as a retaliation against the rising cross-border terrorism by militant outfits based in Pakistan.
After the attacks, Pakistan’s military confirmed that a minimum of 26 individuals had been killed and 46 injured. Pakistan’s military spokesman Lt Gen Ahmad Sharif Chaudhry mentioned that civilians were also among those killed. In response, PM Shehbaz Sharif vowed a vigorous retaliation against India. He assured that Pakistan would not allow India to achieve its goals, further escalating the already tense situation.
India’s Hard Line and Steps
After the Pahalgam attack, India took a series of retaliatory measures against Pakistan. These involved putting on hold the Indus Waters Treaty, closing the Attari land border crossing, and downgrading diplomatic relations. The Indian armed forces were given full operational autonomy to decide on targets, timing, and response mode. India’s message was clear: it would not retreat.
India’s strikes were under the pretext of safeguarding its nationals from terrorist outfits such as Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba, both of which have been accused of cross-border terrorism. The government rationalized the military strikes as a response necessary to safeguard Indian lives.
Pakistan’s Military Readiness
Though Pakistan is convinced of retaliating against aggression, it persists in asserting its right to defend itself. Prime Minister Sharif asserted that he has faith in the readiness and capability of Pakistan’s military forces in retaliating effectively. Pakistan’s language indicates that it will not sit idly by as aggression continues, but it is also careful not to get entangled further in war.
International Reactions and the Path Forward
The global community, including the United States, China, and the United Nations, has expressed concern over the worsening situation. The call to restraint came from all sides, asking both nations to stop further military action and seek dialogue. Pressure is growing on both India and Pakistan to reduce tensions before the crisis gets out of hand.
Though Pakistan is prepared to back off if India moves first, the precariousness of the situation keeps open the possibilities for further errors. With both nations poised at the edge, the world looks on anxiously, hoping the end to an enduring conflict can be a nonviolent one.
