Pakistan will respond with full force if provoked, says Defence Minister Khawaja Asif

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Wednesday issued a stern warning to India, stating that Pakistan will deliver a “befitting response” to any aggression, as tensions continue to simmer between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.

Speaking to reporters outside Parliament House, the minister emphasized that Pakistan is not seeking war, but if conflict is imposed, the country is fully prepared to retaliate with greater force than that used by India. “We will see the Indian attack. If there is a violation, we have to respond,” he said. “No one should have any doubt—we will give a befitting reply.”

Khawaja Asif cautioned that as time passes, the risks of an Indian attack are increasing, pointing out that several friendly countries, regional powers, and neighbours are actively engaging in mediation to avoid escalation. “These countries do not want a war situation to arise,” he noted, expressing hope that India would come to its senses through their efforts.

Referring to recent provocations, the minister said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has already demanded an international-level investigation into the recent incident, which India blames on Pakistan. However, India’s silence on the matter, Asif claimed, is a sign of guilt: “India has not responded to the demand for an international investigation, which means there is something black in the dal.”

He also accused the BJP government of consistently dragging Pakistan into controversies whenever elections approach in India, using anti-Pakistan rhetoric to sway public sentiment and secure votes.

Reiterating Pakistan’s desire for peace, Khawaja Asif made it clear that any misadventure by India will be met with even more force, warning that Islamabad’s response will outweigh India’s aggression.