Nuclear option not on the table, but consequences could be global Pakistani defence chief warns

As military tensions between India and Pakistan continue to escalate, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has stated that the nuclear option is “not on the cards right now,” but warned that if the situation deteriorates, the consequences would not be confined to the region alone. In a stark warning to the global community,

Asif emphasised that any further escalation could lead to widespread devastation, affecting not only the two countries but also the “watchers” of the conflict.

In an exclusive interview with Geo News, Asif said, “I am telling the world that this is not going to be confined to the region only; it could be much wider… destruction.” The minister’s words reflect growing concerns over the volatility in the region, where tensions have surged following a deadly attack on tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir, an assault India attributes to Pakistan-based militants.

The attack sparked India’s launch of “Operation Sindoor,” aimed at what New Delhi calls “terrorist infrastructure” in both Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. In response, Pakistan conducted a series of retaliatory strikes, setting the stage for an escalating military standoff.

Asif acknowledged that Pakistan’s options were narrowing due to the increasingly aggressive stance taken by India. “Our options are being reduced considering the situation India is creating,” he said, signalling the high stakes of the ongoing military confrontation.

Despite the rising tensions, Asif was quick to clarify that no meeting of the National Command Authority (NCA)—the body responsible for making decisions related to Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal—has been called. This statement is crucial as it suggests that, at least for the moment, Pakistan is not on the verge of considering nuclear escalation.

The minister’s comments come amid reports of significant casualties on both sides. On May 10, Pakistan announced the launch of a major military operation in retaliation for Indian airstrikes earlier in the week. The Pakistani Army carried out precision strikes on key Indian military installations, and Islamabad claimed to have inflicted heavy losses on Indian forces, with operations still underway.

By Tamilla Hasanova