Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has issued a grave warning, highlighting the increasing threat of nuclear conflict as tensions between Pakistan and India intensify. As Pakistan grapples with the aftermath of a deadly cross-border attack, which it has described as a “blatant act of war,” Asif stressed that the risk of escalation remains “very real.”
In an interview with Geo News on Wednesday, Asif remarked that the growing aggression from India could push the region dangerously close to a nuclear standoff. This comes after India’s airstrikes on Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir earlier in the day.
The coordinated strikes targeted several locations, including mosques and infrastructure projects, resulting in 31 civilian deaths and at least 71 injuries, as reported by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
“As we’ve seen in the past, this region has faced nuclear threats, and we may be heading towards another strategic confrontation,” Asif warned. “India is undergoing a significant internal crisis, and its aggressive actions are putting the entire region’s peace and security at risk.”
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also addressed the situation in the National Assembly, condemning India’s “cowardly assault in the dead of night.” He praised Pakistan’s armed forces for their rapid and effective retaliation. “With the help of Allah and the prayers of our people, our military delivered a strong response,” he said.
In a key military development, Pakistan’s armed forces downed five Indian fighter jets in retaliatory actions. According to the ISPR, the downed aircraft included three Rafales, one Su-30MKI, and a MiG-29. Pakistan also reported the destruction of an Indian brigade headquarters, several checkposts, and a drone.
Director-General of ISPR Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry confirmed that all Pakistan Air Force (PAF) jets returned safely after engaging Indian targets. He also noted that intense shelling continued along the Line of Control, where Pakistani forces were actively targeting Indian military positions.
