Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has warned of a looming threat of military aggression from India, placing the country on high alert. Speaking in interviews with Reuters and a local news outlet, Asif stated that Pakistan may resort to the use of nuclear weapons if its national existence comes under direct threat.
“There is a real danger of an Indian attack, and the military has briefed the government accordingly,” the minister said. “In response, Pakistan has significantly increased its defensive military presence along the border.”
Asif stressed that while an outbreak of war is not inevitable, the risk remains high. “We are not saying war is certain, but it is certainly possible. The next four days are crucial,” he said, underscoring the volatility of the current standoff.
The defence minister acknowledged that both Pakistan and India have amassed large troop deployments along the border, with forces “eye-to-eye” in a tense standoff. “If war is imposed on us, we are fully prepared,” he asserted.
Khawaja Asif emphasized that Pakistan does not seek escalation but will not hesitate to defend itself with full force if provoked. “Should our national integrity face a direct threat, we reserve the right to use nuclear weapons,” he cautioned.
The alarming remarks come amid soaring tensions following the Pahalgam incident and a spike in cross-border accusations and military mobilizations. Asif concluded by noting that while the situation is dangerous, there is still room for de-escalation in the coming days.
