Pakistan’s Defence Minister Warns of ‘All-Out War’ After Pahalgam Terror Attack

Pakistan’s Defence Minister, Khawaja Asif, has issued a strong warning following the Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 people in Jammu and Kashmir. In an interview with Sky News, Asif said that India’s response to the attack could lead to an all-out war between the two nuclear-armed neighbours, raising serious concerns in the region and across the world.

Asif stated that the global community should be worried about the possibility of a full-scale conflict between India and Pakistan, both of which possess nuclear weapons. “We will respond to whatever India initiates. If there is an all-out attack, then there will be an all-out war,” he said.

He added that the Pakistani military is prepared for any situation, and while the response would be calculated, the outcome of the confrontation could be tragic if things escalate further.

Accusations and Claims of a “Staged” Attack

During the interview, Khawaja Asif also made controversial statements by accusing India of staging the terror attack in Pahalgam. He claimed that the attack was part of a plan to create a crisis in the region and target Pakistan diplomatically.

When asked to clarify, Asif said that while his government strongly condemned terrorism in all forms, they believed that India intentionally created the situation. “Yeah, yeah, yeah. Absolutely. Absolutely, they create these situations,” he replied when asked if he blamed India for the attack.

Past Mistakes Admitted in Interview

When questioned about Pakistan’s past support for terrorist groups, Asif admitted that Pakistan had supported the United States and the West during the Cold War and the post-9/11 era. He said this involvement in global conflicts was a mistake and that Pakistan had paid a heavy price for it.

He said, “We have been doing this dirty work for the United States for about 3 decades… If we had not joined the war against the Soviet Union and later the war after 9/11, Pakistan’s track record would have remained clean.”

India’s Strong Diplomatic and Strategic Response

After the Pahalgam terror attack, India took several serious diplomatic and strategic actions:

• Closed the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Attari, which is a major border crossing.
• Suspended the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) for Pakistani citizens and asked them to return within 40 hours.
• Reduced the number of officials in the high commissions in both countries.
• Put a hold on the Indus Waters Treaty, a water-sharing agreement signed in 1960.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly condemned the attack and promised strict action. He assured that those behind the attack and those who supported them will face unimaginable consequences. He also said the time has come to wipe out the remaining networks of terrorism, and that the willpower of 140 crore Indians would now crush the terror forces.

Conclusion

The situation between India and Pakistan has become increasingly tense following the deadly attack in Pahalgam. While Pakistan’s Defence Minister has expressed hope for peaceful negotiations, his warning of an “all-out war” has heightened concerns worldwide. As both countries take strong positions, the international community is watching closely.