(Image source from: Newsx.com)
The Defence Minister of Pakistan, Khawaja Asif, has directed a fresh warning towards India amidst escalating tensions following the terrorist assault in Pahalgam on April 22. He asserted that if India attempted to assault Pakistan, it would lead to a catastrophic outcome for all involved. In his provocative remarks, Asif stated, “Should India choose to attack and threaten our existence, there will be no survivors left in this world.” He drew parallels between the current circumstances and the Israeli military actions in Gaza, suggesting that a similar aggressive approach is being adopted by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his coalition. He remarked, “If we were to face such circumstances, with our existence at risk, the outcome would be that either we endure, or no one does.”
The aftermath of the brutal terror attack in Pahalgam, which resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals, has intensified the already fraught relationship between India and Pakistan. Previously, Asif expressed concerns that India might initiate a military operation along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir at any moment, declaring, “There are indications that an Indian strike could happen anytime along the LoC… New Delhi shall receive a strong response.” Additionally, he mentioned that Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called for an international investigation into the Pahalgam incident, emphasizing that such an inquiry would reveal whether India or any domestic elements were involved and would clarify the truth behind New Delhi's unfounded allegations.
Moreover, Pakistan’s Information and Broadcasting Minister Attaullah Tarar had previously alleged that India planned to conduct military action against Pakistan within the next 24 to 36 hours, citing “credible” intelligence sources. Expanding on the threats, Asif had earlier pledged to “destroy” any structures constructed by India to repurpose water designated for Pakistan as per the Indus Waters Treaty. He expressed that this could lead to an “all-out war” over the Kashmir dispute. The BJP in India responded sharply to these threats, asserting that the Pakistani leadership is clearly rattled. BJP spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain commented, “Khawaja Asif appears to be visibly distressed. Although he holds the position of Defence Minister, he seems to lack control, functioning merely as a spokesperson issuing empty threats. It is evident that the Pakistani populace is living in fear and losing sleep over these tensions.”
In one of the most significant assaults in Jammu and Kashmir, terrorists linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba opened fire on a group of tourists in Pahalgam on April 22, leading to the deaths of at least 26 individuals, which included foreign visitors, and left many others injured. The attack was claimed by The Resistance Front (TRF), a militant group associated with Lashkar; however, they later retracted their claim in light of considerable global condemnation.
