Pakistan may strike Indian military sites if provoked, Khawaja Asif

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has issued a clear warning to India, stating that any future attacks will be met with a retaliatory strike targeting Indian military installations.

Speaking to a British news agency, Reuters, Asif said that Indian drone incursions have heightened the possibility of a Pakistani military response. While confirming that no military facility in Lahore was damaged during the drone activity, he emphasized that India’s provocative actions have further strained bilateral relations.

“There’s little hope for de-escalation following the latest Indian aggression. The dispute between Pakistan and India appears to be heading into a dead end,” Asif remarked.

The Defence Minister also revealed that the United States is actively trying to mediate and de-escalate tensions at the international level, playing a leading role in diplomatic efforts between the two countries.

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In a separate statement to the same agency, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed that there has been direct contact between the National Security Advisors (NSAs) of Pakistan and India. He did not disclose further details but noted that backchannel diplomacy is ongoing in an attempt to prevent further military escalation.