Pakistan acted alone in recent border conflict, says Khawaja Asif

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif dismissed Indian claims of Chinese and Turkish assistance during the recent border conflict as a desperate excuse to mask India's defeat. Asif clarified that Pakistan operated independently, relying solely on its own military strength and strategy.

In response to Indian Deputy Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Rahul R. Singh's assertions about Chinese satellite support and Turkish drones, Asif labeled the claims as unfounded and deceptive. He attributed these allegations to India's frustration and inability to acknowledge Pakistan's success on the battlefield.

Asif highlighted that diplomatic backing does not equate to military intervention, citing examples of arms purchases by Pakistan from the US and India from France. He stressed that while Pakistan received diplomatic support from allies like China and Turkiye, its military actions were conducted by its own forces.

The minister cautioned India against further aggression, asserting that Pakistan's military is well-equipped and capable of defending the nation independently. Asif noted that only Israel openly supported India during the conflict, whereas the global community sided with Pakistan.

Shifting focus to domestic politics, Asif hinted at potential political changes in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, mentioning the presence of active elements from elected and non-elected groups in the province. He also commented on the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's (PTI) internal discord, with various members, including the founder's sisters, expressing conflicting opinions.

Asif suggested the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) might rejoin the federal government, as observed in previous coalition arrangements. Regarding a possible meeting between Nawaz Sharif and the PTI founder, Asif dismissed the notion, recalling a past incident where the founder allegedly demanded Rs4 million from Nawaz.

According to the source: Daily Times.