MULTAN Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said on Thursday that the risk of war between Pakistan and India cannot be ruled out given India's provocative rhetoric.

Talking to reporters in Multan, the foreign minister said that Pakistan was fully prepared to meet any eventuality.

'If India carries out any surgical strike on Pakistani soil, we will give a befitting response,' he said.

Qureshi said Pakistan has clearly stated that it wants peace but if war is 'imposed,' it will defend itself.

'We have informed our friendly countries, including OIC, that if India imposes war on Pakistan our armed forces will give an equal response.'

He said that Pakistan condemns terrorism and wants to expose the culprits.

'We have also conveyed our grief to the families of those who lost their loved ones in Mumbai attacks', the foreign minister said.

Qureshi said 'we want to give a message that the whole nation stands united and knows how to defend the geographical boundaries of the homeland'.

The comments follow recent forays by fighter aircraft over several of the country's major cities, though Qureshi noted the military has not mobilised its ground forces.

'We should hope for the best but prepare for the worst,' Qureshi said.