In a recent statement, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif expressed serious concerns about an imminent military incursion by India following a tragic militant attack on tourists in Kashmir last week. This has heightened tensions between the two nuclear-armed nations.
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The attack, which resulted in the loss of 26 lives, has sparked outrage across India, a predominantly Hindu nation, where there are increasing calls for action against Pakistan, a Muslim-majority neighbor.
India has long accused Pakistan of supporting militancy in Kashmir, a disputed territory that has been the flashpoint for two wars between the two countries. Minister Asif underscored the urgency of the situation by stating, “We have reinforced our forces because it is something which is imminent now. In such a scenario, strategic decisions have to be made, and those decisions have indeed been taken.”
As of now, neither India’s foreign nor defence ministries have responded to requests for commentary. In the aftermath of the Kashmir attack, Indian authorities have identified two suspects believed to be Pakistani, while Islamabad has firmly denied any involvement and has called for a neutral investigation.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made it clear that there will be no mercy for the attackers, pledging to pursue and punish those responsible for the incident. Minister Asif also noted that, while Pakistan remains vigilant, the country would only resort to nuclear weapons if “there is a direct threat to our existence.” This statement reflects his veteran experience and the longstanding approach of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz party, which has historically advocated for dialogue with India.
Additionally, Minister Asif indicated that Pakistan has reached out to friendly nations, including Gulf states and China, to discuss the escalating situation. “Some of our friends in the Arabian Gulf have spoken to both sides,” he said, though he refrained from naming specific countries. China has also expressed a desire for restraint and welcomed any efforts to de-escalate tensions.
While the United States has historically played a role in mediating relations between India and Pakistan, Asif remarked that the US is currently “staying away” from active involvement. Last week, US President Donald Trump implied that it was up to India and Pakistan to manage their relationship, though the State Department later confirmed that the US is in communication with both sides, encouraging them to seek a “responsible solution.”
Since the Kashmir attack, both nations have implemented a series of retaliatory measures. India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, a crucial river-sharing agreement, while Pakistan has closed its airspace to Indian airlines. Minister Asif condemned India’s actions as an “act of war”, emphasizing the dire implications of depriving vulnerable regions of essential water resources. He stressed the importance of international support for the treaty, stating, “We have already reached out to relevant quarters concerning this treaty.”
Finally, it is worth noting that India has previously accused Pakistan of harboring the Islamist militants responsible for the 2008 Mumbai attacks, which resulted in over 166 fatalities, including many foreign nationals. Pakistan, as before, has denied these accusations.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
