Ready for two-front war against India and Taliban, says Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif
PTC Web Desk: Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has sparked controversy with a new provocative statement, asserting that his country is “fully prepared” to fight a two-front war, one against India on the eastern border and the Taliban on the western frontier.
Speaking at a public gathering, Asif declared, “We are ready for war on both fronts. We are prepared to face India on the east and Afghanistan on the west. Allah supported us in the first round, and He will support us in the second.”
His remarks came shortly after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif blamed groups allegedly “supported by India” for a recent terror attack in Pakistan. In contrast, Asif suggested that the Afghan Taliban had sent a warning message through the bombing.
“The rulers in Kabul can stop terrorism in Pakistan, but bringing this war to Islamabad is a message from Kabul. Praise be to God, Pakistan has full strength to respond,” Asif posted on X (formerly Twitter).
The Defence Minister’s comments are being seen as an effort to project military power amid Pakistan’s deteriorating economy and tense diplomatic relations with both India and Afghanistan. His rhetoric has raised concerns about further straining regional stability at a time when Islamabad faces internal security and financial challenges.
- With inputs from agencies
