Khawaja Asif warns of all-out war if India attacks

(Web Desk): Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has warned the international community that if India launches an attack, it will lead to an all-out war.

He emphasized that the world should be concerned about the possibility of a full-scale war between two nuclear-armed nations.

In an interview with British television channel Sky News, Khawaja Asif rejected allegations of Pakistan’s involvement in the Pahalgam incident, calling the attack a false flag operation by India.

Speaking on the program ‘The World with Yalda Hakim’, Asif said the world should indeed be worried about the potential for a full-blown conflict between two nuclear states.

However, he expressed hope that the issue could be resolved through dialogue.

On Tuesday, 26 tourists were killed in a shooting by armed assailants in Pahalgam, a tourist destination in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). The Indian government blamed Pakistan for the attack.

Khawaja Asif dismissed the accusation, calling it a false flag operation by India. He warned that the Pakistani military is fully prepared to deal with any situation amid rising tensions and diplomatic efforts from both sides.

He stated that Pakistan would respond in kind to any aggression from India, adding, “If there is an attack or something of that sort, then of course, it will be an open war.”

When asked if the world should be concerned, the defense minister replied, “Yes, I believe so. A conflict between two nuclear powers is always alarming. If things go wrong, the consequences could be tragic.”

According to Sky News, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowed to pursue those responsible for the attack "to the ends of the earth."

When asked whether he blames India for the attack, Khawaja Asif replied, “Yes, yes, yes, absolutely. They create such situations.”

However, he also added that both countries should resolve their issues through negotiations.

When asked if US President Donald Trump should help resolve the emerging crisis, Khawaja Asif responded, “Certainly. He is the head of the world’s only superpower and is engaging with various parties at different flashpoints globally.”

He added, “This is also a flashpoint involving two nuclear powers with ongoing tensions. I believe if a global power can intervene and help improve the situation, it would be a positive step.”

He concluded by saying that if India initiates any aggression, Pakistan will respond strongly, as “we will be left with no other option.”