Pakistan: India speaks of peace but persists with aggression

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has accused India of maintaining an aggressive posture despite speaking of peace, as tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours continue to simmer.

Asif said Pakistan was prepared to move to the "next level" if necessary, warning that the regional standoff could have broader international consequences, Caliber.Az reports, citing Pakistani news channel.

"Despite India's recent rhetoric of peace, their aggression has continued," Asif said, affirming that Pakistan would not "let its guard down."

He cautioned that any conflict between India and Pakistan could spiral beyond the subcontinent. "Spectators will also be involved in this situation," he remarked, pointing to the global stakes in the event of escalation between two nuclear powers.

The minister claimed Pakistan had effectively deterred further Indian hostilities. "India should realise that Pakistan will not tolerate it," he said, asserting that Pakistan had "stopped India" from taking further action.

"We cannot rule out the possibility of the matter going to the next level," he added, highlighting the potential for increased confrontation.

Asif also criticised what he called the international community’s passivity. "The international community has only watched," he said, adding that there was a growing "level of anxiety" globally.

He speculated that US President Donald Trump "should want a solution to this issue before coming to this region," suggesting Washington’s interest in defusing tensions ahead of any potential visit.

On domestic developments, Asif said there were no plans to convene a meeting of the National Command Authority. He also confirmed minor damage to a vehicle at the Nur Khan base, but reassured that "there was no damage anywhere else."

By Aghakazim Guliyev