SIALKOT (MNN); Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Saturday warned that India may be planning a “false-flag operation” to malign Pakistan, cautioning New Delhi against any such اقدام and promising a strong response.
Speaking to media in Sialkot, Asif alleged that India could stage an incident using its own operatives or detained Pakistanis, and then portray it as a terrorist act linked to Pakistan. He claimed such tactics were aimed at creating a narrative to justify escalation.
Referring to last year’s tensions, the minister said India had faced criticism both internationally and domestically despite its size and resources. He added that such pressure would continue, recalling the Pakistan Air Force’s performance during the previous conflict.
Asif warned that any attempt to stage a similar “drama” would be met with a decisive response, adding that Pakistan was fully prepared to defend its sovereignty.
The minister’s remarks come days after security sources indicated that India might exploit Pakistani citizens who had inadvertently crossed the border as part of a potential false-flag scenario.
He also referenced recent statements by Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, cautioning that the idea of war between two nuclear-armed states was unrealistic and would have severe consequences.
Earlier, Asif had criticised what he described as a pattern of “threat rhetoric,” linking it to the anniversary of the Pahalgam attack, in which tourists were targeted in Indian-administered Kashmir. India had blamed Pakistan for the incident without providing evidence, a claim Islamabad strongly denied while calling for an impartial investigation.
The minister also recalled Pakistan’s military response during that period, referred to as “Marka-i-Haq,” emphasising that any future response would be even more forceful and decisive.
Despite the strong warning, Asif reiterated that Pakistan remains committed to peace and regional stability but would respond swiftly to any threat against its sovereignty.
Separately, the defence minister expressed optimism about Pakistan’s diplomatic role in facilitating dialogue between the United States and Iran, saying Islamabad was working to promote regional stability and peaceful resolution of conflicts.
