In a tense interview on CNN, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif defended his country’s position after India launched strikes in response to a terror attack in Kashmir. He was questioned about Pakistan’s possible ties to terrorism and asked to provide proof for claims of downed Indian jets. The conversation showed deep mistrust between the two nations and raised fears of a wider conflict.
Background to the Clash
The interview followed a deadly terror attack in Indian-administered Kashmir. India blamed groups in Pakistan for the attack. They claimed that nine terrorist camps were hit in a counter-strike. These sites, India said, were used to plan more attacks on Indian soil.
Pakistan has denied all such charges. Minister Asif stated that there were no terrorist bases in the areas bombed by India. He called the Indian claims a lie and said there was no evidence to back them up.
Asif Offers International Probe
In the interview, Asif repeated Pakistan’s offer to allow a foreign investigation. He said international media had already visited the sites India attacked. According to him, the media would find no signs of terror activity there. He said the world was welcome to inspect the places and see the truth.
Asif challenged India to agree to such a probe. He stressed that if India was sure of its claims, it should welcome an outside review.
Dispute Over Jet Losses
The Defence Minister also claimed that Pakistan had shot down five Indian jets, including French-made Rafale and Jaguar aircraft, as well as a drone. He said the debris fell into Indian-controlled Kashmir and had been shown on Indian social media.
CNN’s anchor pressed for proof beyond social media. Asif did not offer any hard evidence but said the jets were downed by Pakistani planes, such as the JF-17 and J-10C, made with Chinese help. When asked if Chinese weapons had been used, he said the missiles came from Pakistan’s own jets.
Concerns of War Grow
When asked if a wider war could happen, Asif warned that Pakistan is ready for full-scale conflict. He said India had crossed the international border, not just disputed areas. This, he said, was a clear violation and could lead to a larger war if India keeps pushing the conflict.
He also accused India of trying to start a war to cover up internal issues. Despite that, he said Pakistan does not want war, but it must stay alert and prepared.
Terror Ties and U.S. Involvement
The CNN host asked about a past quote where Asif admitted Pakistan had helped terrorist groups in the past. Asif replied that the real mistake was joining the U.S. in wars that had nothing to do with Pakistan. He said they suffered the most and now want peace.
He also gave an example. A known terror leader once had a bounty on his head but is now free. He questioned who decides who is a terrorist.
This heated exchange shows how tense things are between India and Pakistan. The claims and counterclaims are serious. With military action on both sides and talk of war, the world is watching closely. Pakistan’s minister says his country wants peace but will not back down if war comes.
