WEBDESK: Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has warned that any attack by India could lead to an “all-out Pak-India war.” His statement came after a deadly attack in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir, where 26 people lost their lives. India quickly blamed Pakistan, but Asif strongly rejected the accusations.
Speaking to Sky News, Asif said there is no proof that Pakistan was involved. He also suggested that the Pahalgam incident could be a “false flag operation,” much like the Pulwama attack in 2019, which also worsened Pak-India war fears at the time.
“This has happened before, also, Pulwama. It was a false-flag operation. We have never heard of the organisation behind this attack. If India attacks us, we will retaliate in kind,” he warned.
“If there is an all-out attack or something like that, then obviously there will be an all-out war,” Asif said, adding that the world should be “worried” by the prospect of a full-scale military conflict in the region.
Asif reminded everyone that Pakistan has always condemned terrorism. He questioned the existence of The Resistance Front, the group India claims was behind the attack, and pointed out that Lashkar-e-Taiba is no longer active.
Mr Asif dismissed the allegations of Pakistani involvement as unfounded and part of a familiar pattern. “The reaction that came from Delhi was not surprising for us, we could make out that this whole thing was staged to create some sort of crisis in the region, particularly for us,” he said.
“We are ready for any situation,” Asif said, making it clear that Pakistan is prepared if tensions escalate toward a Pak-India war. However, he also stressed that Pakistan wants peace in the region and believes disputes should be solved through dialogue, not conflict.
The situation has already impacted diplomatic relations. India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, while Pakistan has put the Simla Agreement on hold. These actions have made the risk of a Pak-India war even more real.
The world is watching closely, hoping both countries avoid another serious clash. Leaders and global organisations are urging Pakistan and India to step back from the edge and choose peace over a Pak-India war.
