Islamabad, May 8 (H.S.): Amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan, Pakistani Defense Minister stated that his country wants to avoid full-scale war at all costs, but if war is imposed, the Pakistani army is fully prepared.

In a special interview with American news network CNN on Wednesday, Asif said, India’s recent airstrike is an open invitation for us to deepen the conflict. It is a clear violation of international norms.

He further stated, Pakistan does not want war, but if India imposes war, we are fully prepared. Our army is alert and capable of giving a strong response to any aggressive move. We cannot be caught off-guard.

The Defense Minister also mentioned that the escalation of attacks from India is increasing the scope of the conflict, which could pose a threat to the stability of the entire region. He appealed to the international community to intervene in this matter.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif also issued a stern warning to India, stating that India will have to pay the price for its cowardly attacks.

India had conducted airstrikes under ‘Operation Sindoor’ targeting several terrorist hideouts in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK). India claims that this action was necessary to prevent a recurrence of attacks like the one in Pahalgam.

—————

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar