Pakistani defence chief questions Indian premier's authority “Modi’s days are numbered”

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has declared that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is facing intensifying criticism both domestically and internationally, asserting that “Modi’s days are numbered” and that the ultimate judgment will come from the Indian public.

Speaking to reporters in Islamabad, Asif laid out Pakistan’s position ahead of any potential dialogue with India, identifying three core agenda items: terrorism, the Kashmir dispute, and water-related tensions under the Indus Waters Treaty, Caliber.Az reports, citing Pakistani media.

“Terrorism will be on the table,” the minister said, adding that Kashmir remains a central issue, and attempts to politicise the Indus Waters Treaty are unacceptable. Asif reiterated that any future talks must include a candid discussion on India’s handling of these longstanding concerns.

On terrorism, Asif emphasised that Pakistan has been a victim for over two decades and rejected the notion that it continues to be unjustly blamed. “The world must now decide for itself. Pakistan has suffered the most in the global war on terror,” he said, calling for international recognition of the country’s counterterrorism sacrifices.

He noted that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had previously offered to investigate recent terror incidents and stressed that Pakistan remains open to dialogue — but only if its contributions to combating terrorism are acknowledged.

Turning to the Kashmir issue, Asif said the matter remains unresolved and must be addressed sincerely in any bilateral engagement. On water disputes, he warned that the sanctity of the Indus Waters Treaty must be preserved, cautioning India against politicising shared resources.

The minister also accused India of acting as an “international terrorist actor,” citing alleged evidence of Indian involvement in acts of terrorism in Canada and the United States. “These proofs must be presented during any future negotiations,” he insisted.

Commenting on the political climate in India, Asif claimed that Prime Minister Modi has lost control amid growing dissent and backlash. “He tried to contain the situation in his recent speech, but things have gone beyond his grasp,” Asif said.

He reiterated allegations that India has long been involved in sponsoring terrorism, urging that such claims be scrutinised in international forums.

Asif concluded by asserting that Modi’s recent attempts to manage political damage have failed, saying the situation has now spiralled “beyond repair.”

By Khagan Isayev