India will not dare to attack Pakistan again: Khawaja Asif

ISLAMABAD: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Tuesday launched a scathing attack on India, calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi a “global terrorist” and accusing New Delhi of using banned militant groups as proxies against Pakistan. Using a defiant tone, Asif asserted that India would not risk another military confrontation with Pakistan. “India cannot even think of attacking Pakistan again,” he said, adding that the nation was united against any external threats.

Speaking to the media, Asif claimed that the banned Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) and the Afghan Taliban were ‘Indian agents’, and that Pakistan had evidence to back its allegations.

His remarks come amid heightened tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, following the attacks from May 7 to May 10. The defence minister warned that the situation had escalated beyond control, stating, “The matter has spiraled so much that it cannot be contained now.”

11 soldiers martyred, 78 injured defending the country: ISPR

Asif also addressed the long-standing Indus Waters Treaty, emphasising that no party could unilaterally alter its terms. “The clauses of the Indus Waters Treaty must be implemented,” he said, referring to recent Indian threats to modify the agreement.

On the intervening night of May 6-7, Indian forces launched unprovoked and condemnable barbaric attacks, the ISPR statement said, adding that innocent civilians including women, children and the elderly were targeted in the attacks.

As per the details, 11 youths were martyred and 78 were injured in the defense of the motherland. Moreover, 40 civilians were martyred due to Indian provocation during May 6 and 7, ISPR said.

Seven women and 15 children are among those martyred due to Indian provocation, while 121 civilians including 10 women and 27 children were injured during the clashes.

Lance naiks Abdul Rehman, Dilawar Khan, Ikramullah and Waqar Khalid were among the martyrs. Soldier Muhammad Adeel Akbar and Sepoy Nisar also laid their lives for the defence of Pakistan.

Pak Air Force Squadron Leader Usman Yousaf sacrificed his life. Chief Technician Aurangzeb and Senior Technician Najeeb are also among the martyrs, ISPR said, adding that Corporal Technician Farooq and Senior Technician Mubashir have also sacrificed their lives in this conflict.

In response to the serious aggression, Pakistan’s armed forces gave a befitting reply under the banner of Marka-e-Haq. Accurate and significant counterattacks were carried out through Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos, ISPR said.