Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has warned that “chances of war with India are real” and claimed that Pakistan could achieve even bigger success in any future armed conflict. His comments came during an interview with Samaa TV on Tuesday, where he addressed questions regarding recent statements from Indian political and military leaders.
Asif Emphasizes Preparedness Amid Rising Tensions
The minister highlighted the threat of armed confrontation and said that Pakistan was “keeping its guard and watching the situation.” He added, “Chances of war with India are real.” Referring to possible outcomes, Asif stated, “I do not want escalation, but the risks are real, and I am not denying that. If it comes to war, God willing, we will achieve a better result than before.”
Asif also claimed that Pakistan had more allies than six months ago, while suggesting that India had lost support from countries that had previously backed it, although he did not specify the nations. Speaking about national unity, the minister said, “At home, we argue and compete. In a fight with India, we come together,” emphasizing Pakistan’s cohesion during the May conflict despite internal issues.
Recent Military Clashes and Strategic Responses
The remarks follow similar warnings from Asif after Indian Army chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi cautioned Pakistan against supporting state-sponsored terrorism. In a separate development, Air Chief Marshal A P Singh stated that at least a dozen Pakistani military aircraft, including US-origin F-16 jets, were destroyed or damaged in Indian strikes during Operation Sindoor.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reiterated India’s stance at a Hyderabad event, asserting that “India can cross any border whenever necessary to protect citizens and safeguard its unity and integrity.” Operation Sindoor, launched in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan-controlled territories and concluded after four days of clashes on May 10, following Pakistan’s request to halt hostilities.