Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi appeared desperate and off-colour in his recent national address, which he termed a reaction aimed at salvaging Modi’s diminishing credibility.
Speaking with media, Khawaja Asif remarked, “Modi spoke like a failed gambler who has nothing left to offer. His speech was driven by panic, solely to protect his political image.”
He noted that Modi, for the first time, implicitly accepted that Kashmir and terrorism were subjects open for discussion. “Before any dialogue with India, we must first demand an investigation into the baseless allegations levelled against us. There is no one in the world with a more certified record of terrorism than Modi himself,” he said.
Highlighting Pakistan’s diplomatic and strategic victories, the minister stated, “Pakistan has emerged victorious on all fronts in this conflict. Organizations like the BLA are India’s creation. If India raises terrorism, we will immediately demand an investigation into the Pulwama incident. And if Kashmir is discussed, the UN Security Council resolutions must be referenced.”
He stressed that Kashmir will remain the top priority on Pakistan’s agenda in any negotiations with India, and dismissed Modi’s speech as a repetition of traditional accusations that lacked substance.
Earlier, in another conversation with media, Khawaja Asif said he had not yet received any formal information regarding the venue or schedule of proposed talks. “Only once a meeting is confirmed will an agenda be finalized,” he stated.
“In my view, key issues to be discussed include Kashmir, the Indus Waters Treaty, and terrorism. India continues to orchestrate activities along our western border through proscribed outfits like the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA). Pakistan is facing India’s aggression on multiple fronts,” he added.
Asif reaffirmed that Kashmir remains central to any potential normalization of relations. “If core issues like Kashmir are addressed, there is a possibility of restoring bilateral ties. India is expected to react strongly, but U.S. President Donald Trump has already expressed willingness to mediate in the matter,” he said.
He added that the U.S. President is currently engaging with major global flashpoints, citing the ongoing dialogue between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin. “The U.S. has intervened for peace in Pakistan and is also expected to act soon on the Gaza and Palestine issue,” Asif concluded.
It is worth noting that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his recent address to the nation, appeared visibly unsettled as he reiterated conventional accusations against Pakistan and termed the Pulwama incident an act of brutality.
