Pakistan on ‘full alert’ as defence minister says all-out war with India ‘cannot be ruled out’

Speaking to Samaa TV, Asif said Pakistan neither ignores nor trusts India “under any circumstances,” adding, “From my assessment, I cannot dismiss the possibility of a full-scale conflict or any hostile action by India, including border incursions or attacks. We must stay completely vigilant.”

His comments came days after India’s Chief of Army Staff, General Upendra Dwivedi, described Operation Sindoor as an “88-hour trailer” and warned that the armed forces were ready to “teach Pakistan how to behave responsibly with a neighbouring nation” if required.

The war of words follows a string of violent incidents this year.

On November 10, a car blast in New Delhi killed 15 people—India’s second major attack after the deadly Pahalgam strike earlier in the year.

Asif has been signalling a harder line for weeks.

Earlier this month, he claimed Pakistan was prepared for simultaneous threats on both its eastern and western borders, saying, “We are ready to face India and Afghanistan at the same time. Allah helped us in round one, and He will help us in round two. If they want a final round, we have no option but war.”

His escalation in rhetoric comes amid mounting strain between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Last month, fierce clashes erupted between Pakistani troops and the Taliban, leaving numerous casualties on both sides.

A ceasefire was reached on October 19 through the mediation of Turkey and Qatar.

The confrontation intensified after Islamabad demanded that the Taliban crack down on militants allegedly operating from Afghan soil.

Pakistan then launched cross-border airstrikes, provoking heavy retaliation and further casualties.

The Taliban denied the allegations, insisting Afghan territory is not being used to launch attacks on Pakistan and that the Islamic Emirate does not interfere in other nations’ internal affairs.

Amid these tensions, Asif also accused India of orchestrating attacks originating from Afghanistan and warned that Pakistan could face a two-front challenge.

Pakistani media reported that he believes India is driving the current discord between Islamabad and Kabul and is preventing both sides from resolving disputes.

In an interview with Geo News last month, Asif said he doubted the ceasefire would last, claiming Afghan Taliban decisions were being “sponsored by Delhi.” He added, “Right now, Kabul is fighting a proxy war for Delhi.”