NEW YORK: Khawaja Asif warns India that Pakistan will respond forcefully if the country is subjected to war, saying Islamabad remains committed to peace but will not compromise on national defence.
Speaking to Pakistani media following the Prime Minister’s address, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said Pakistan had clearly presented its position to the international community. He stressed that peace and stability should remain the priority in the region.
Khawaja Asif Warns India Against Miscalculating Pakistan’s Defence Resolve
Khawaja Asif said Pakistan does not seek confrontation or wish to escalate tensions with any country. However, he maintained that if war is imposed on Pakistan, the country would take strong measures in self-defence.
Referring to Pakistan’s response to tensions with India last year, the Defence Minister said the country had demonstrated its ability to defend itself and would respond similarly if faced with another conflict.
He also criticised India’s current approach, saying that Pakistan should assess New Delhi’s conduct in the context of its broader relationship with Islamabad.
Khawaja Asif further stressed that Pakistan would not accept pressure or compromise its national security.
Peace Remains Pakistan’s Stated Priority
The Defence Minister said Pakistan’s preference remains peace and stability in the region. He maintained that Islamabad does not want to fuel conflict but is prepared to protect its territory and national interests.
His comments came as tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours remain a significant regional concern.
Khawaja Asif Links Current Challenges to Previous Afghan Policy
Khawaja Asif also criticised the Afghan policies pursued by previous Pakistani governments.
He said decisions taken in the past had created challenges that the current government is now dealing with. Describing the consequences as “thorns” sown by previous governments, he linked those policies to some of the security challenges Pakistan currently faces.
PIA Flights to the United States
The Defence Minister also expressed optimism about the restoration of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flights to the United States.
Also Read: Khawaja Asif Questions PTI’s Role in Counterterrorism Efforts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
He said that, God willing, PIA flights to the US could resume within six months, adding that progress was expected on the matter.
Khawaja Asif’s remarks combined an emphasis on Pakistan’s stated preference for peace with a firm assertion that the country would defend itself if confronted with war.
