Islamabad, May 5, 2025 – Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif raised alarms on Monday, warning that India may be preparing to launch a military strike along the Line of Control (LoC), the volatile border separating the two nations in the disputed Kashmir region. The statement comes amid heightened tensions following a recent militant attack in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir, which has further strained the already fragile relationship between the nuclear-armed neighbors.
Speaking to journalists in Islamabad, Asif emphasized Pakistan’s readiness to respond to any potential Indian aggression. “We have credible intelligence suggesting India could act at any moment along the LoC. Let me be clear: any misadventure will be met with a swift and decisive response,” he declared.
The minister’s remarks follow a deadly attack in Pahalgam, which India has attributed to Pakistan-based militant groups. Pakistan, however, has rejected these claims, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif calling for an independent international investigation to uncover the truth behind the incident. “A neutral probe will reveal whether this was an act orchestrated by India or a local faction. The world deserves to know the facts,” Asif said, echoing Sharif’s stance.
Asif accused the Indian government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, of escalating regional tensions to bolster domestic political support. “Modi’s reckless policies are pushing South Asia toward a dangerous confrontation, risking a nuclear catastrophe for short-term electoral gains,” he warned. He also reiterated Pakistan’s allegations that India is fueling instability in Pakistan’s Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces by supporting terrorist groups operating out of Afghanistan. “We have shared undeniable evidence with the United Nations in the past, including documented proof of India’s role in sponsoring terrorism,” Asif claimed.
The minister also expressed disappointment over the absence of the opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party at a recent high-level security briefing. “It’s unfortunate that PTI opted out of such a critical discussion on national security. Unity is essential in times of crisis,” he remarked. Asif noted that both houses of Pakistan’s parliament have passed resolutions addressing the escalating situation, and political parties are welcome to convene an All Parties Conference to further deliberate on the matter.
The LoC, a heavily militarized de facto border, has long been a flashpoint between India and Pakistan, with sporadic exchanges of fire and cross-border skirmishes occurring frequently. The latest developments have raised fears of a broader conflict, with both nations maintaining significant military deployments in the region.
As diplomatic channels remain strained, the international community is closely monitoring the situation, urging restraint to prevent a dangerous escalation. For now, Pakistan remains on high alert, bracing for any potential moves by India across the LoC.
