Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has issued a strong warning to India, asserting that any aggression or attempt to jeopardize Pakistan's security will provoke a fierce and historic response from the country.
His remarks came during an appearance on Samaa TV's current affairs program 'Nadeem Malik Live', amid rising regional tensions following the Pahalgam incident and growing concerns over the Indus Waters Treaty.
'If not us, no one will be spared'
In a blunt message to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Khawaja Asif said, “If not us, then there will be no one. If our security is threatened, we will fight back with full aggression.”
The minister emphasized that Pakistan is prepared for all scenarios, particularly in the face of what he described as India’s proxy war in the form of terrorism through banned outfits like the TTP and BLA. He accused India of sponsoring terrorism in Pakistan and warned that “the banned TTP and BLA are mercenaries and proxies of India”. "We have enemies on both sides of our borders," he stated.
Asif said that politicians should be grateful to the people for not creating divisions within Pakistan, while there were divisions across the border in India.
Modi compared to Netanyahu
Drawing parallels between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu, Asif said both are engaging in dangerous politics driven by ego and electoral motives. “If Modi takes any reckless step in the footsteps of Netanyahu, Pakistan’s response will be such that history will remember it,” he stated.
He further suggested that any war is likely to remain confined to the Line of Control, but if it starts, it can't be controlled.
Water the new warfront
The defence minister strongly criticized any potential violation of the Indus Waters Treaty, calling it an act of war. He warned India not to tamper with river flows into Pakistan, especially as water levels naturally rise at the end of May.
"If India constructs any structure to stop our water, it will be destroyed. Water is our red line. Future wars will be over water,” Asif cautioned, adding that the flow of water in rivers and canals increased at the end of May.
The water flow was recorded at 87,000 cusecs till May 2. If the water flow decreases, a committee should be convened at the government level.
He added that if water flows — recorded at 87,000 cusecs as of May 2 — show signs of deliberate reduction, a government-level committee must be convened to investigate and raise the issue diplomatically.
PTI criticised over national unity
Asif criticised the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for not participating in the national security briefing on Sunday, stating, “We are ready to sit and talk on national issues, but the PTI is making everything conditional and is concerned more about its personal issues.”
He also recalled the controversial decision during PTI’s tenure to release captured Indian pilot Abhinandan Varthaman quickly, calling it an injustice and a missed opportunity. “The PTI leadership served tea to the Indian pilot and sent him back overnight — that was not in Pakistan’s interest,” he said.
'We have paid for past mistakes'
Reflecting on Pakistan’s military and foreign policy history, Asif said the country continues to suffer from the fallout of past decisions, as it lost many opportunities under American pressure. He questioned Pakistan's link to the Afghan war and criticised former military rulers, including Ziaul Haq, Pervez Musharraf, Yahya Khan, and Ayub Khan, suggesting they acted against national interests.
"In my opinion, Ayub Khan was not working for Pakistan. It was even said that he sold Pakistan’s water," he remarked.
Armed forces commended
Despite challenges, Asif lauded the sacrifices of Pakistan’s military, stating that the armed forces remain vigilant and committed to national defense. “We have a brave army that has made and continues to make sacrifices,” he said.
