Islamabad, Pakistan — Tensions between Pakistan and India escalated further on Friday, as Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif warned that the country may have no choice but to engage in outright war. Asif’s remarks came after several days of heightened military activity and increasingly aggressive rhetoric from both sides.
In a televised interview, Asif expressed deep concern over what he characterized as India’s aggressive stance. “We are left with no alternatives but to respond decisively,” he stated, suggesting that Islamabad felt compelled to retaliate. This comment comes in the context of rising military engagements that have captured the attention of observers worldwide.
When pressed by the interviewer on the likelihood of war, Asif confirmed, “Absolutely, there should be no doubt about this.” His statements underscore the fragile state of relations between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, which have long been marred by conflict and distrust.
Just days prior, Pakistan had attempted a drone strike against multiple Indian military facilities, although it reportedly failed to achieve its objectives. Asif had previously indicated a desire to de-escalate tensions, acknowledging the potential for conflict to spiral into a full-scale war. “We are trying to avoid a larger confrontation,” he added, emphasizing the delicate nature of the current situation.
The escalation follows India’s Operation Sindoor, launched early Wednesday, which targeted several locations within Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. This operation was a direct response to a terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, which claimed 26 lives. The Indian government has consistently asserted its right to retaliate against terrorist threats emanating from across the border.
Regional experts have noted that the rhetoric from both Islamabad and New Delhi could further inflame an already volatile situation. While both nations have expressed a desire to maintain peace in the past, recent developments may complicate those aspirations as military mobilizations intensify.
As the world watches these developments unfold, the potential for a broader conflict looms larger. Diplomatic channels may now be more critical than ever, as both countries navigate this precarious landscape amid calls for restraint and thoughtful dialogue. Whether a path to de-escalation can be forged remains uncertain, but the stakes are undeniably high.