TL;DR : Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif warned on Oct 8, 2025, that war with India is a “very real” possibility, following India’s recent military action and strong warnings. Both sides have exchanged threats, increasing the risk of conflict.
What Happened
- Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said the “chances of war with India are real” and that he is “not denying that possibility”, in an interview aired on Oct 7 and widely reported on Oct 8, 2025.
- Asif added: “If it comes to war, God willing, we will achieve a better result than before.”
- He also said: “I do not want escalation, but the risks are real.”
Historical and Religious Rhetoric
- Asif claimed: “History shows that India was never one united nation, except briefly under Aurangzeb.”
- He emphasized Pakistan’s religious foundation: “Pakistan was created in the name of Allah.”
- He said Pakistanis may argue at home but “come together” in conflict with India.
Indian Response and Context
- Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi (Oct 4):
“India is fully prepared this time… the action will be such that Pakistan will have to think whether it wants to exist geographically.”
- India’s Operation Sindoor (May 6-10, 2025) was launched after a terror attack in Pahalgam killed 26 civilians. It targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
- Indian officials also referenced prior military actions from 2016, 2019, and 2025, warning of future "decisive responses."
Current Regional Situation
- The back-and-forth remarks have heightened tensions across the Line of Control (LoC).
- The U.S. has called for restraint (Oct 8), and China and the UN urged dialogue.
- No official military escalation has occurred yet, but both sides have increased border readiness.