Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Pakistan’s Defence Minister, made a provocative statement alleging that military conflict with India was now “inevitable”, due to what he termed New Delhi’s ongoing aggression and disregard for regional peace. These comments heightened tensions between these nuclear-armed neighbors.
Asif, speaking at a press briefing in Islamabad on Monday, accused India of intentionally aggravating tensions along the LoC and creating an unpleasant environment in South Asia. He claimed India’s violations have reached dangerous crossroads where conflict is inevitable;
Pakistan’s defence minister did not discuss specific military preparations but stressed that Pakistani armed forces are fully prepared to defend national sovereignty and maintain sovereignty of their own. According to Asif, when war becomes necessary “Our response will be decisive and proportionate – but war should not be avoided at any cost,” Asif warned.
His comments came amid renewed skirmishes and ceasefire violations along the LoC, with both sides accusing the other of initiating unprovoked firing. Tensions have also increased following India’s abrogation of Article 370 last year which removed Jammu and Kashmir’s special status – something Pakistan continues to strongly oppose.
Asif also lashed out against India for what he described as its militarized approach in Kashmir and efforts to change the region’s demographic makeup, saying India “is violating rights of Kashmiris while disregarding international law”. Asif called on global stakeholders to intervene before the situation spirals out of control.
Indian officials have responded swiftly and harshly to Asif’s statements as being both inflammatory and irresponsible, with one Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson suggesting that Pakistan focus on “ending cross-border terrorism” rather than issuing threats; peace can only be achieved in the region through respect for international norms and ending support to militancy, according to this official.
International observers and analysts are calling on both sides to exercise restraint, fearing that any escalation could destabilize the region. The UN has reiterated its call for dialogue and de-escalation, noting the necessity of maintaining open channels of communication as essential measures against full-scale war.
As diplomatic channels remain frayed and rhetoric on both sides grows increasingly heated, the region remains uncertain. Whether a path toward peaceful resolution emerges–or current trends lead to open confrontation–will depend on decisions made by leadership in both Islamabad and New Delhi in coming weeks.