Pakistan's Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has warned that the growing tensions between India and Pakistan could escalate into a full-scale war. In an interview with British outlet Sky News, Asif urged the international community to pay close attention, emphasising the risks of confrontation between two nuclear-armed nations.
On Friday, Geo News reported the statement amid rising hostilities following a deadly attack in Indian-administered Kashmir.
India has blamed Pakistan for the April 22 attack in the Baisaran Valley of Pahalgam, which killed 26 tourists. A local affiliate of the Pakistan-based militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba, known as The Resistance Front, claimed responsibility. However, Islamabad has firmly denied any involvement, calling it a "false flag operation.''
Asif reiterated Pakistan's stance, stating that the country rejects terrorism in all its forms and urged India to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident. He also emphasised that the Pakistani military is fully prepared to respond to any aggression.
"If India initiates any major action, there will be a full-scale response. A full-blown war is a real possibility if the situation deteriorates," he said.
Despite the sharp rhetoric, Asif expressed hope that diplomacy could still prevent further escalation. When asked whether the world should be concerned, he responded affirmatively, warning that any conflict between nuclear states could lead to devastating consequences.
Meanwhile, tensions continued to mount along the Line of Control (LoC), where Indian and Pakistani troops exchanged gunfire on Thursday night. No casualties were reported.
