Khawaja Asif warns war risk with India remains, links attacks to Kabul and Delhi

ISLAMABAD (Web Desk) - Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said that the possibility of war with India still exists, while blaming terrorism in Pakistan on a proxy conflict involving the Taliban and India.

In an interview with a French broadcaster, Asif stated that Pakistan would not hesitate to carry out air operations inside Afghanistan if necessary. Responding to a question about possible future actions in Kabul and Kandahar, he said the option has always been available and could be exercised again if Kabul fails to guarantee peace.

He claimed that attacks on Pakistan are the result of a proxy war supported by Delhi and Kabul, adding that banned groups such as the TTP and ISIS are operating from Afghan territory. He asserted that such attacks cannot take place without the consent or patronage of authorities in Kabul.

Asif said that if Kabul ensured peace, there would be no hostility, but alleged that Afghan authorities remain involved in conspiracies and sponsorship of militant groups.

He also revealed that several friendly countries attempted mediation between Pakistan and Afghanistan, including meetings in Istanbul, Doha, and Kabul, but these efforts produced no results.

Speaking on India, the Defence Minister warned that the threat of conflict remains. He claimed India suffered humiliation internationally after a brief four-day war last May, noting that Pakistan’s air force successfully repelled attempts to violate its airspace.

Asif further said that Pakistan remains deeply committed to the Palestinian cause, describing Gaza as close to the hearts of Pakistanis and reaffirming support for Palestine at all global forums.