Pakistan Defense Minister Warns of Possible All-Out War with India Amid Escalating Regional Tensions

Pakistan's Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has issued a stark warning regarding potential conflict with India, stating Islamabad cannot eliminate the possibility of "all-out war" amid heightened regional tensions.

During his interview with Samaa TV, Asif emphasized Pakistan's vigilant stance, declaring, "We are neither ignoring India nor trusting it under any circumstances. Based on my analysis, I cannot rule out an all-out war or any hostile strategy from India, including border incursions or attacks. We must stay fully alert."

This warning comes shortly after Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi described Operation Sindoor as merely an "88-hour trailer," while asserting India's armed forces stood ready to "teach them how to behave responsibly with a neighboring nation" if necessary.

The escalating rhetoric follows multiple violent incidents this year, including a car explosion in New Delhi that killed 15 people on November 10, marking the second major attack on Indian soil after the deadly Pahalgam strike earlier in 2025.

Earlier this month, Asif had already projected a combative stance, claiming Pakistan was prepared to confront threats from multiple directions simultaneously. He stated, "We are ready; we are prepared to face both the eastern (India) and western (Afghanistan) borders. Allah helped us in round one, and He will help us in round two." He further warned, "If they want the final round, we have no option but war."

Asif's renewed caution emerges against a backdrop of deteriorating relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Last month, serious clashes between Pakistani forces and the Taliban resulted in significant casualties on both sides before a ceasefire was negotiated on October 19 through Turkish and Qatari mediation.

The conflict erupted when Islamabad demanded Taliban authorities take decisive action against militants allegedly operating from Afghan territory. Pakistan subsequently conducted cross-border airstrikes, triggering fierce retaliation that caused further casualties.

Taliban authorities rejected Pakistan's allegations, maintaining that Afghan territory "is not being used to attack Pakistan" and that the Islamic Emirate "does not interfere in the internal affairs of other countries."

Within this tense environment, Asif has claimed India is playing a provocative role in attacks launched from Afghanistan, warning that Pakistan could face a two-front confrontation. According to Pakistani media reports, he asserted that India is the primary instigator of tension between Islamabad and Kabul, suggesting New Delhi opposes resolution of disputes between the neighboring countries.

In his statement to Geo News last month, Asif expressed skepticism about the durability of the ceasefire, claiming, "I have my doubts that the ceasefire will hold, because the decisions of the [Afghan] Taliban are being sponsored by Delhi."

"Right now, Kabul is fighting a proxy war for Delhi," he alleged.