Pakistan won’t start war, will hit back hard if attacked: Khawaja

ISLAMABAD:  Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Wednesday said that while Pakistan will not initiate war, but it is fully prepared to respond forcefully if India imposed war.

Speaking to the media amid rising tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours, Asif said several friendly countries are actively working to de-escalate the situation. “God willing, India will come to its senses through the efforts of these nations,” he added.

Several states, including the US, have urged India and Pakistan not to escalate tensions over the deadly militant attack in Pahalgam.

Washington said it was in touch with the nuclear-armed Asian neighbours at multiple levels while urging them to work towards what it called a “responsible solution.”

Washington said on Sunday it was in touch with the nuclear-armed Asian neighbours at multiple levels while urging them to work towards what it called a “responsible solution.”

The minister stressed that there should be no doubt in anyone’s mind — any Indian aggression will be met with a robust response. “The kind of force India chooses to use, we will respond with even greater force,” he warned.

He also said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has already called for an independent investigation into the recent Pahalgam attack in Indian-held Kashmir, but New Delhi has yet to respond positively.

“India’s reluctance to cooperate in an inquiry raises serious questions,” Asif said. “If they are avoiding investigations, clearly something is being hidden.”

He further noted that the risk of military escalation is growing with time, even as diplomatic efforts to mediate continue.