Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif Threatens India After Army Chief’s Warning

Following stern warnings from Indian military leaders, Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif issued a threat against India. He stated that India would be "buried under the wreckage of its warplanes" if tensions escalated. This came after Indian Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi warned Islamabad about its support for terrorism, suggesting it could lead to its removal from the world map.

Asif accused Indian leaders of making "provocative statements" as an attempt to regain credibility. He referred to these remarks as a "failed attempt" to restore their reputation after Operation Sindoor in May. Asif mentioned a score of 0-6, hinting at unverified claims of Pakistan downing six Indian jets during the operation, though no evidence was provided.

Operation Sindoor and Its Aftermath

Operation Sindoor began on May 7 in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. The Indian military targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir. The operation led to four days of intense clashes, concluding with an agreement to cease military actions on May 10. India maintains that Pakistan sought an end to hostilities after significant damage to its military infrastructure.

On October 4, Gen Dwivedi cautioned Pakistan against sponsoring terrorism if it wished to remain on the world map. He emphasized that New Delhi's restraint during Operation Sindoor would not be repeated in future conflicts. "This time we will take a step forward and act in a manner that will make Pakistan think whether it wants to remain on the world map or not," he stated.

Indian Military's Preparedness

Air Chief Marshal AP Singh revealed that at least twelve Pakistani aircraft, including F-16 jets, were destroyed or damaged during Operation Sindoor. He dismissed Islamabad's claims of Indian losses as "fanciful stories." Intelligence reports indicated damage to radars, command centres, runways, and hangars at multiple locations in Pakistan.

At an event in Hyderabad, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted India's readiness to cross borders if necessary for national security. Citing past operations like the 2016 surgical strike and 2019 Balakot airstrike, he warned Pakistan against any misadventure in the Sir Creek sector, promising a response strong enough to alter "history and geography."

Deteriorating Indo-Pak Relations

The already tense relations between India and Pakistan worsened after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives. In response, India took diplomatic measures such as pausing the Indus Waters Treaty. New Delhi has made it clear that future talks with Islamabad will focus solely on the return of Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK) to India.