Islamabad (TDI): Pakistan has issued a strong warning to India, signaling that any future aggression would be met with a more forceful response, as tensions resurface ahead of the anniversary of the Pahalgam incident.
Defense Minister Khawaja Asif said that while Pakistan remains committed to peace and regional stability, it is fully prepared to defend its sovereignty against any threat. His remarks came in response to recent comments by India’s Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, who cautioned Pakistan against any “misadventure” amid the broader regional instability.
In a statement shared on social media, Asif warned that the idea of a conventional conflict between two nuclear-armed states is unrealistic and would carry severe consequences for the region.
The latest exchange comes in the backdrop of last year’s military confrontation between the two countries, triggered after an attack on tourists in Pahalgam in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. India had accused Pakistan of involvement, a claim Islamabad firmly rejected, calling instead for an impartial investigation.
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Following the accusations, India carried out missile strikes inside Pakistan, which led to casualties among civilians and security personnel. Pakistan responded militarily, and the escalation brought both countries to the brink before a ceasefire was reached on May 10 with diplomatic support from the United States.
Referring to the Pahalgam incident, Asif described it as a “staged” episode that failed to gain international credibility, saying New Delhi is using such situations to justify escalation. He said such rhetoric reflects internal pressures and a pattern of shifting focus outward through unverified allegations.
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He further stressed that past events serve as a reminder of the risks of miscalculation, warning that any repeat scenario would trigger a stronger and more decisive reaction from Pakistan. Emphasizing the country’s stance, he said there should be no doubt about Pakistan’s readiness, resolve, and ability to respond swiftly and effectively.
Asif concluded by advising India to focus on its internal strategic challenges rather than escalating tensions, reiterating that while Pakistan seeks peace, it will not hesitate to act in defense of its sovereignty.
