In the aftermath of India’s Operation Sindoor, which targeted nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has signaled a possible de-escalation—if India steps back.
Speaking to Bloomberg Television, Asif stated:
“We’ll never initiate anything hostile towards India. But if we’re attacked, we’ll respond. If India backs down, we will definitely wrap up this tension.”
Key Points from Khawaja Asif’s Statement:
- No First Move: Pakistan reiterates it won’t initiate conflict but promises retaliation if attacked.
- Conditional De-escalation: Tensions could be “wrapped up” if India stops further military action.
- No Talks Yet: Asif denied knowledge of any planned diplomatic talks between the two nations.
Background:
India launched precision missile strikes in the early hours of Wednesday as part of Operation Sindoor, destroying terrorist infrastructure allegedly linked to the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians. The Indian government accused Pakistan-based groups of orchestrating the massacre.
While India framed the operation as a preemptive and targeted counter-terrorism measure, Pakistan now faces the pressure of balancing international diplomacy with domestic political and military posturing.
This marks a pivotal moment where both nations are treading a fine line between escalation and restraint.
