Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif issued a stark warning on Tuesday, saying the country cannot dismiss the possibility of a “full-scale war” with India as regional hostilities continue to rise.

In an interview with Samaa TV, Asif said Pakistan’s security establishment remains on “maximum alert”, adding, “We are neither complacent about India nor placing any trust in its intentions. From what I observe, we cannot rule out a major conflict or aggressive military manoeuvres by India — whether along our borders or through actions involving Afghanistan. We must stay vigilant.”

His comments came shortly after India’s Army Chief, General Upendra Dwivedi, described Operation Sindoor as an “88-hour trailer” and warned that the Indian military was fully prepared to “teach Pakistan how to act responsibly” if required.

Rising Tensions After Deadly Attacks

The sharp rhetoric follows a series of violent attacks in India this year. A car blast in New Delhi on November 10 killed 15 people — the second major strike after the earlier terrorist attack in Pahalgam.

Asif has been projecting a harder line in recent weeks. Earlier this month, he said Pakistan was ready to confront threats on both fronts — from India in the east and Afghanistan in the west. “God supported us in the first round, and He will support us again. If they want a final round, war becomes inevitable,” he said.

Pakistan-Afghanistan Tensions Add to Volatility

Asif’s latest remarks also reflect the growing hostility between Islamabad and Kabul. Last month, fierce clashes between Pakistani forces and the Taliban left casualties on both sides, prompting a ceasefire on October 19 mediated by Turkey and Qatar.

The confrontation began after Pakistan demanded that the Taliban take decisive action against militants allegedly operating from Afghan soil. Pakistan later launched airstrikes inside Afghanistan, triggering retaliatory attacks.

The Taliban denied Pakistan’s claims, asserting that Afghan territory “is not used for attacks on Pakistan” and that the Islamic Emirate “does not interfere in others’ internal matters”.

India Accused of Fueling Pakistan-Afghanistan Rift

Amid these tensions, Asif also accused India of influencing attacks from Afghanistan, suggesting Islamabad may face a two-front challenge. Pakistani media reports quoted him as saying India was the “primary force” behind the discord between Pakistan and the Taliban.

In a previous interview with Geo News, Asif had remarked, “I doubt the ceasefire will last because the Afghan Taliban’s decisions are being shaped by Delhi.”
He alleged that “Kabul is currently fighting a proxy war on India’s behalf.”