As tensions escalate between India and Pakistan, Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif has expressed a willingness for the U.S. to mediate the conflict while emphasizing restraint amid accusations of military aggression.
Pakistan's Defense Minister Encourages U.S. Role in India-Pakistan Tensions
Pakistan's Defense Minister Encourages U.S. Role in India-Pakistan Tensions
Khawaja Muhammad Asif acknowledges U.S. assistance in mitigating conflicts with India following recent airstrikes.
Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Pakistan's defense minister, expressed on Wednesday his openness to increased U.S. efforts in alleviating the rising tensions with India. This statement followed India’s recent airstrikes targeting nine locations in Pakistan and Pakistani-controlled Kashmir, executed in retaliation for a terrorist attack last month. Official reports indicate that these strikes have resulted in at least 20 fatalities in Pakistan.
Despite the threatened retaliation from Pakistani officials, Asif took a measured approach, indicating that earlier defensive actions had already taken place when Pakistan's Air Force shot down five Indian aircraft and two drones. The minister stated that Pakistan would exercise restraint and refrain from further military responses if India did not undertake additional attacks, and agreed to an independent investigation into the recent events.
Asif noted that although restraint was currently being exercised, the potential for escalation remains high, stating, “But if the same situation arises tonight, the situation could flare up very easily.” The defense minister's comments reflect a nuanced stance amid intense regional tensions and highlighted the critical need for diplomatic avenues as the situation develops.
Despite the threatened retaliation from Pakistani officials, Asif took a measured approach, indicating that earlier defensive actions had already taken place when Pakistan's Air Force shot down five Indian aircraft and two drones. The minister stated that Pakistan would exercise restraint and refrain from further military responses if India did not undertake additional attacks, and agreed to an independent investigation into the recent events.
Asif noted that although restraint was currently being exercised, the potential for escalation remains high, stating, “But if the same situation arises tonight, the situation could flare up very easily.” The defense minister's comments reflect a nuanced stance amid intense regional tensions and highlighted the critical need for diplomatic avenues as the situation develops.
