No war intentions, but will hit back hard if forced: Khawaja Asif

(Web Desk): Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has stated that Pakistan will respond to India in kind, warning that any action from India will be met with a strong reaction.

Speaking to the media outside Parliament House, Khawaja Asif said that Pakistan will observe any Indian aggression closely, and if there is a violation, a response will be given accordingly. “The nature of our response will match the nature of India’s actions,” he said.

He added that as time passes, the threat of an attack is increasing, and no one should doubt that Pakistan will deliver a strong and decisive response to India.

The Defence Minister also mentioned that friendly and neighbouring countries, as well as regional powers, are playing a mediating role. “These nations do not want a war-like situation. God willing, their efforts may bring some sense to India,” he added.

Khawaja Asif further said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has clearly called for an international investigation into the matter, but India has not responded to this demand, which, according to him, indicates that “something is being hidden.”

He alleged that whenever the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in India needs votes, it tries to drag Pakistan into some controversy.

The Defence Minister made it clear that Pakistan will not initiate a war, but if war is imposed on it, Pakistan will respond with full force. “Whatever strength India uses, we will respond with even greater strength,” he concluded.