Defence Minister Khawaja Asif declared that Pakistan will not succumb to any external pressure and is fully prepared to deliver a resolute and targeted response to any aggression, while upholding its commitment to avoid civilian casualties.
Speaking on the floor of the National Assembly, the minister said Pakistan’s armed forces are “200 percent prepared” to defend the country and have already begun effective retaliatory operations. “The nation should remain calm and confident. Our response will be swift and decisive, targeting only military installations, not civilians,” he assured.
Rejecting the barrage of misinformation circulating in Indian media, Asif said New Delhi is attempting to mask its military failures through a campaign of falsehoods. “India is facing humiliation on multiple fronts and is now trying to deceive its own public. But it cannot hide the truth that it has suffered setbacks wherever it engaged,” he said.
He termed the strategic alignment between India and Israel as “natural and expected,” describing both nations as united in their hostility towards Islam. “Their shared Islamophobia is no secret. The world can see the ideological thread that binds them,” Asif remarked.
Highlighting Pakistan’s strong diplomatic standing, he said friendly nations are standing firmly by its side. “Turkiye and Azerbaijan have expressed open and unwavering support for Pakistan. Even India’s traditional allies are choosing to stay silent, unwilling to endorse its reckless behavior,” he stated. He further said that the Pakistan Army is effectively engaging the enemy at the Line of Control and other border fronts.
Khawaja Asif stressed that Pakistan’s military response is active and ongoing, backed by robust diplomatic engagement with key global players. “We are in constant contact with all relevant international actors. The Deputy Prime Minister is personally maintaining daily communication with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and China,” he said.
Calling for intensified diplomatic efforts, the Defence Minister urged for a more proactive approach on the global stage. “One or two nations have so far offered mild support, but our true allies are standing with clarity and conviction,” he noted.
He also revealed that recent drone incursions were aimed at identifying sensitive Pakistani locations. “We initially refrained from intercepting the drones to avoid exposing our strategic positions. Once they reached a critical range, they were swiftly neutralized,” he explained.
In a striking statement, Asif described Pakistan’s religious seminaries and their students as the nation’s “secondary line of defence,” underscoring their role in national resilience.
Reaffirming the resolve of the armed forces, he concluded: “Our retaliatory operations continue day and night. Our troops are in a superior position, showing unmatched courage and professionalism. The people of Pakistan should rest assured — we are more than ready to defend every inch of our homeland.”
