Pakistan’s Defence Minister, Khawaja Asif, has issued a grave warning, asserting that the ‘chances of war with India are real.’ He confidently stated that his nation would emerge with even greater success should any armed conflict arise in the future.
Asif’s statements came during an interview with Samaa TV on Tuesday, October 7, 2025. He was responding to questions regarding recent declarations made by prominent Indian political and military figures.
The Minister acknowledged the looming threat of armed confrontation, affirming that Pakistan remains on high alert and is closely monitoring the evolving situation. He reiterated, ‘The chances of war with India are unequivocally real,’ in direct response to a query.
He further expressed his belief that Pakistan would achieve more favorable outcomes in a potential war. ‘While I do not seek escalation, the risks are undeniable, and I acknowledge them fully. Should war become inevitable, by the grace of God, we anticipate a more successful result than in previous encounters,’ Asif declared.
Asif claimed that Pakistan’s international support and alliances have grown significantly in the past six months, while, in contrast, India has reportedly lost the backing of several nations that previously stood by it before the May conflict. However, he did not specify which countries he was referring to.
He continued by asserting that India has historically lacked sustained unity, citing only a brief period under Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. Conversely, he underscored Pakistan’s foundation in the name of Allah and its unified stance during the May confrontation, despite various domestic challenges. ‘Internally, we may debate and compete, but when facing India, we stand as one,’ he emphasized.
These recent comments echo previous threats made by Asif, following strong statements from Indian Army Chief Gen. Upendra Dwivedi. Gen. Dwivedi had warned Pakistan to cease its support for state-sponsored terrorism if it wished to maintain its standing on the global stage.
In a separate development, Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh announced on Friday that Indian strikes during ‘Operation Sindoor’ resulted in the destruction or damage of at least twelve Pakistani military aircraft, including advanced US-origin F-16 jets.
Meanwhile, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, speaking in Hyderabad on Friday, affirmed India’s unwavering resolve to cross any border to protect its citizens and uphold the nation’s unity and integrity, whenever deemed necessary.
India initiated ‘Operation Sindoor’ on May 7, targeting terror infrastructure within Pakistani-controlled territories, in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. These strikes led to four days of fierce engagements, culminating in a mutual agreement to halt military actions on May 10.
India has consistently maintained that Pakistan sought an end to hostilities in May, after the Indian military extensively targeted various Pakistani military installations.