As diplomatic friction with India intensifies, Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif issued a stern warning, asserting that any threat to Pakistan’s sovereignty would be met with an “unforgettable” and overwhelming retaliation. Speaking on Samaa TV, Asif said, “If we’re forced into a conflict, we’ll ensure there’s no one left to claim victory.”

His remarks come in the wake of rising hostilities following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack in India, which prompted New Delhi to take hardline steps, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty. Islamabad has since accused India of preparing for a possible offensive, with repeated claims of imminent military action.

“If our existence is put at risk, we will retaliate with full strength,” said Asif, while accusing India of backing banned militant groups such as the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), calling them New Delhi’s “proxies.”

The Defence Minister also alleged that India was deliberately stoking tensions, comparing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s political manoeuvres to those of Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu. “Both leaders are driven by pride and electoral goals, playing a dangerous game with regional stability,” he said, warning that if a conflict breaks out along the Line of Control (LoC), it may spiral out of control.

Reacting strongly to India's move to halt the Indus Waters Treaty—an agreement in place since 1961—Asif declared water as Pakistan’s “red line.” He labelled the treaty’s suspension as an act of war. “If India tries to block our water by building any structures, we will demolish them. Future conflicts will be fought over water,” he added, noting a rise in river flows towards the end of May.

Earlier this week, Asif had cautioned that India could initiate a strike at any time along the LoC, claiming Prime Minister Modi was “dragging the region towards a nuclear flashpoint” for political mileage. He reiterated allegations of Indian interference in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.

Pakistan’s Information Minister Atta Tarar had also voiced concerns of a possible Indian strike within 24–36 hours last week, but the speculated window passed without incident.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s army chief General Syed Asim Munir reaffirmed the military’s readiness to defend national interests, stating the country would respond decisively to any provocation aimed at undermining its security or dignity.