Khawaja Asif Warns Pakistan Must Stay on “Full Alert” Amid Risk of All-Out War with India

Pakistan’s Defence Minister, Khawaja Asif, has raised the alarm over the possibility of a full-scale war with India, urging Islamabad to remain exceptionally vigilant. According to Asif, the current security landscape is fraught with risks – not just from direct conflict with India, but also from potential incursions and proxy attacks.

Asif emphasized that Pakistan neither ignores India nor places trust in its neighbor. Based on his strategic assessment, he said the country must be ready for “any hostile strategy,” including cross-border offensives. He warned that India could directly intervene, escalate the conflict, or even launch coordinated attacks – potentially drawing on support from factions across the border.

Highlighting the gravity of the situation, Asif described Pakistan as facing a “two-front” threat. He voiced concern over the eastern border with India and simultaneously perceived instability on the western front, particularly involving Afghanistan. According to him, the risk is not hypothetical: he has stated that Pakistan is fully prepared to confront challenges from both directions if required.

The Defence Minister’s stark warnings come at a time of growing strain between New Delhi and Islamabad. He cited recent security incidents, including a suicide bombing in Pakistan’s capital, as evidence of a broader destabilization campaign. Asif accused India of attempting to manipulate regional players to mount pressure on Pakistan, framing Kabul’s unrest as part of a deeper geopolitical play.

In a defiant tone, Asif also issued a caveat: while Islamabad is preparing for the worst, he has previously extended a call for de-escalation – but only if India demonstrates genuine restraint. The message is clear: Pakistan is not seeking hostilities, but it will not shy away from defending itself if pushed into a corner.