Pakistan ready to respond to any 'short' or 'long' war: Khawaja Asif

Published September 3, 2015
Khawaja Asif said that Pakistani forces have been fighting a war against terror on their own soil and are ready to deal with any external enemy, if the need arises. ─ Reuters/File
Khawaja Asif said that Pakistani forces have been fighting a war against terror on their own soil and are ready to deal with any external enemy, if the need arises. ─ Reuters/File

ISLAMABAD: Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif on Thursday responding to the Indian army chief's statements earlier this week, said that Pakistan is ready for a small scale or prolonged war if Indian leadership proceeded with the same, Radio Pakistan reported.

Asif said that Pakistan is a firm believer of peace in the region and world at large, but was fully prepared to respond 'befittingly' if provoked.

"Our forces crushed the Indian dreams of occupying Lahore back in 1965 and will do the same in future," the defence minister said.

He said that Pakistani forces have been fighting a war against terror on their own soil and are ready to deal with any external enemy, if the need arises.

Read: India is the only external threat, says military

Asif claimed that the country’s political leadership ─ including the prime minister ─ would not hesitate to offer any sacrifice for the defence of Pakistan if the two countries were to lock horns.

Indian Army Chief Gen Dalbir Singh on Tuesday had said that India is prepared to face offensive military action on its borders should the need arise, and that any future conflict was expected to be short and swift.

Indian newspaper The Hindu had quoted him as referring to the ceasefire violations along the borders in Jammu and Kashmir, which have put relations between India and Pakistan under strain.

Also read: Indian army chief says military ready for short, swift war

Opinion

Editorial

Afghan turbulence
Updated 19 Mar, 2024

Afghan turbulence

RELATIONS between the newly formed government and Afghanistan’s de facto Taliban rulers have begun on an...
In disarray
19 Mar, 2024

In disarray

IT is clear that there is some bad blood within the PTI’s ranks. Ever since the PTI lost a key battle over ...
Festering wound
19 Mar, 2024

Festering wound

PROTESTS unfolded once more in Gwadar, this time against the alleged enforced disappearances of two young men, who...
Defining extremism
Updated 18 Mar, 2024

Defining extremism

Redefining extremism may well be the first step to clamping down on advocacy for Palestine.
Climate in focus
18 Mar, 2024

Climate in focus

IN a welcome order by the Supreme Court, the new government has been tasked with providing a report on actions taken...
Growing rabies concern
18 Mar, 2024

Growing rabies concern

DOG-BITE is an old problem in Pakistan. Amid a surfeit of public health challenges, rabies now seems poised to ...