Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Tuesday rejected the comparison between Islamabad’s actions against the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and New Delhi’s unprovoked action against the country in May as “wrong and inappropriate”.
The defence minister’s remarks come a day after Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman questioned Pakistan’s objection to Indian attacks when the country also allegedly conducted cross-border strikes against terrorist targets in Afghanistan.
Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General (DG) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry had refuted allegations by the Afghan Taliban that Pakistan had conducted strikes in Afghanistan.
In a post on X, Asif also said that India, to date, has “not been able to provide evidence” of Pakistan’s involvement in the Pahalgam attack, despite Pakistan’s offer of “neutral investigations”.
“The report issued by the United Nations also clarifies that the Indian aggression was illegal and unsubstantiated, and Pakistan’s response was fully justified,” said the defence minister.
He elaborated that the international community and the United Nations are also concerned about terrorism under the regime of the Afghan Taliban, and maintained that the presence of terrorists formations and terrorists infiltrating Pakistan “are a clear proof of this”.
He further stated that “any doubts raised by India, its proxies, and sympathizers” were addressed by the country “earlier and continue to be addressed today”.
While speaking to a private news channel, he commenting to the recognition of Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir’s role by the British journal Financial Times.
He said the acknowledgment underscores Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir’s exceptional contribution to advancing Pakistan’s diplomacy and defense interests. “Over the past two and a half years, Pakistan has achieved significant diplomatic, economic, and military successes, and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir has played a central role in steering these achievements,” the minister added.
He added that leadership efforts to revive and strengthen bilateral relations with longtime partners, along with fostering new alliances, have yielded tangible results.
Khawaja Asif emphasized that Pakistan’s victories against external threats have further enhanced the country’s stature on the global stage.
The minister said that Pakistan’s effective diplomacy under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir’s leadership, particularly timely communication with US President Donald Trump has strengthened the country’s international position and countered adversarial strategies from India.
He noted that Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir’s multi-dimensional approach enabled Pakistan to maintain strategic balance and constructive engagement with major powers, including Washington, Beijing, Riyadh, and Tehran.
He further stated that the recognition reflects Pakistan’s growing credibility in global affairs, highlighting the nation’s ability to manage complex geopolitical dynamics while safeguarding national interests.
He added that coordinated efforts across diplomatic, economic, and military domains have reinforced Pakistan’s credibility and strengthened its position in international forums.
He further stated that these successes demonstrate Pakistan’s commitment to maintaining a balanced foreign policy while safeguarding national interests.