Khawaja Asif warns India against any future ‘miscalculation’

ISLAMABAD: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Wednesday warned that any future “miscalculation” by India would be met with a “more intense and decisive” response, as he released a video marking “Marka-i-Haq” (Battle of Truth), last year’s military confrontation between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.

Asif said “Marka-i-Haq” was not merely a past event but “a line that has been drawn forever,” signalling a shift in Pakistan’s response posture following the 2025 conflict.

“Pakistan exercised restraint during the last episode, but any adventurism in the future will not remain limited,” he said adding “Our response will be more intense and decisive.”

The defence minister said that Pakistan did not seek conflict but would not compromise on sovereignty, dignity or security.

“Peace without dignity is not peace but surrender, and it is unacceptable to us,” he said.

The confrontation, which began after the April 22, 2025 Pahalgam attack and ended with a ceasefire on May 10 following Pakistan’s military operation “Bunyanum Marsoos”, marked one of the most serious escalations in recent years.

Asif said that the episode had “buried the perception” that Pakistan could be pressured or isolated, adding that the country’s military response capabilities across land, air and sea were “faster and more effective than the enemy imagines”.

“Our armed forces are fully prepared to meet the demands of modern warfare,” he said. “Whatever your plans may be, we are ahead of what you think.”

He also stressed that Pakistan’s national unity had played a decisive role during the conflict, describing the country as standing “like Bunyanum Marsoos (a fortified wall)” alongside its armed forces.

Referring to India, Asif cautioned against what he described as “false flag operations” and miscalculations, warning that repeating past actions would come at a far greater cost.

“The message is clear — do not let internal politics and hatred spill over,” he said. “If it does, be prepared for a response that will not remain under your control.”

Asif said that the confidence and awareness of Pakistan’s youth remained a key national asset, describing it as a source of strength for the country’s future.

“The younger generation understands what happened and stands united,” he said. “This awareness and determination are our real strength.”

Separately, young Pakistani voices highlighted the conflict as a defining moment, saying the success of the military operation had strengthened national confidence and unity.

They said the episode would be remembered as a historic chapter, adding that Pakistan’s armed forces had effectively responded to aggression and demonstrated the country’s defensive strength.