Khawaja Asif warns of ‘more forceful’ response to future Indian aggression

ISLAMABAD: Khawaja Asif on Tuesday praised Pakistan’s armed forces for their swift response to Indian aggression during “Marka-e-Haq” and warned that any future hostility would be met with an even stronger response.

Addressing the launch ceremony of a book titled “The Battle of Truth (Marka-e-Haq)” in Islamabad, published by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in collaboration with Inter-Services Public Relations, the defence minister said the nation remains united against external threats.

He said Pakistan has emerged as a stable and strong country and is ready to counter any form of “proxy war,” adding that the armed forces successfully foiled India’s designs and neutralised its S-400 air defence system during the conflict.

Referring to last year’s war between Pakistan and India, Asif said tensions escalated after New Delhi blamed Islamabad for an attack in Pahalgam — allegations Pakistan denied while calling for a neutral investigation.

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He said India followed the accusations with missile strikes inside Pakistan, which resulted in casualties among civilians and security personnel, prompting a retaliatory response by Pakistani forces targeting multiple military sites.

The conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbours ended with a ceasefire on May 10, brokered by the United States.

Asif criticised what he described as India’s “hegemonic mindset” and said it posed a threat to regional peace, alleging that New Delhi resorts to conflict to divert attention from internal issues.

He reiterated that Pakistan has consistently acted responsibly in times of tension while remaining committed to defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Highlighting Pakistan’s global role, the minister said the country continues to contribute actively to United Nations peacekeeping missions, reflecting its commitment to international peace.

He added that the people of Pakistan have repeatedly shown unity during crises, forming a “steel-like wall” against external threats.

Calling the book a “living narrative” of national resolve, Asif appreciated efforts to document Pakistan’s perspective and reaffirmed that both the armed forces and the nation remain prepared to face future challenges.