Pakistan ‘Trying to Avoid War’, But Military Ready, Says Defence Minister
Amid rising tensions following India’s Operation Sindoor, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif has said that his country is “trying to avoid” a full-scale war with India. However, he warned that the Pakistani military is fully prepared for such a scenario if escalation continues.
In an interview with CNN, Asif described India’s recent overnight airstrikes on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir as a “clear-cut violation” and an “invitation to expand the conflict.” The minister claimed that India’s actions have pushed the region closer to a broader confrontation and accused New Delhi of “increasing the intensity.”
“We are prepared for an all-out war because India is increasing the intensity,” Asif said. While affirming that Pakistan is not seeking open conflict, his comments signaled a hardening of tone from Islamabad after initially downplaying the strikes.
Escalation Amid Operation Sindoor Fallout
India launched Operation Sindoor in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, which left 26 civilians dead. The operation targeted nine terrorist camps linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and other Pakistan-based outfits. India maintains that the strikes were limited in scope, precision-based, and did not target Pakistani military infrastructure.
Pakistan, however, has claimed civilian casualties and responded with artillery shelling along the Line of Control. Several Indian civilians have also been killed in retaliatory fire. The conflict has since entered a dangerous phase of escalation, with both nations on high military alert.
Global Pressure for De-escalation
The international community continues to urge both sides to step back from the brink. The United Nations, United States, China, and European Union have all called for restraint and dialogue. Meanwhile, India has briefed the United Nations Security Council about the intent and scope of its operation, seeking to build global consensus around its anti-terror stance.
