ISLAMABAD: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Tuesday launched a scathing critique of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, declaring that his political tenure is approaching its end amid rising domestic and international disapproval.
Speaking to reporters in Islamabad, Asif said that the people of India would ultimately determine Modi’s future. “Modi’s days are numbered,” he stated, adding that the Indian premier’s recent attempts to contain political backlash have proven ineffective. “He tried to address the situation in his national speech, but the crisis has spiralled beyond his control,” the minister remarked.
Asif outlined Pakistan’s position ahead of any future engagement with India, listing terrorism, the Kashmir dispute, and water issues as core subjects for dialogue. He accused India of exploiting regional instability while blaming Pakistan without evidence.
“Terrorism has plagued Pakistan for over 25 years. We have suffered the most in the global war on terror, yet continue to be scapegoated,” he said. Asif argued that Pakistan’s role in counterterrorism needs global recognition and called on India to be held accountable for its alleged destabilising actions.
He also referenced international developments, claiming that evidence of Indian involvement in terror activities had surfaced in both Canada and the United States. “These findings must be presented in any future negotiations. India’s role as an international terrorist actor must be examined,” he added.
Turning to Kashmir, the minister reaffirmed that the dispute remains unresolved and central to any dialogue between the two neighbours. “The people of Kashmir must not be forgotten. A meaningful solution is long overdue,” he said.
On water issues, Asif warned against India’s unilateral actions concerning the Indus Waters Treaty. “This is a legal, binding agreement. No country can walk away from it unilaterally. Any attempt to politicise water resources will be met with firm resistance,” he stated.
Following intense military escalation, Pakistan and India agreed to a full ceasefire on May 10, pausing hostilities that had pushed the region to the brink of full-scale war.
The ceasefire was first announced by US President Donald Trump and later confirmed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Tensions erupted after a deadly April 22 attack in Pahalgam, Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), which killed 26 civilians. India swiftly blamed Pakistan-based actors without providing evidence—allegations Pakistan strongly denied.
In retaliation, India shut down the Wagah border, revoked Pakistani visas, and suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, prompting Islamabad to denounce the actions as an “act of war.”
The conflict escalated further with India launching Operation Sindoor, involving missile strikes and drone incursions. Pakistan responded with Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos, claiming it had downed five Indian jets—including Rafale aircraft—and intercepted 77 Israeli-made Harop drones.
The United States brokered a diplomatic breakthrough, resulting in both sides agreeing to cease hostilities across land, air, and sea. However, reports of renewed skirmishes emerged within hours of the truce. Explosions in Srinagar and cross-border firing were confirmed by officials on both sides, casting doubt over the ceasefire’s sustainability.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office reiterated its commitment to peace but accused India of violating the terms immediately after the agreement.
Director General ISPR Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry clarified that Pakistan had not sought the ceasefire. “It was India that called for de-escalation after Pakistan’s firm and proportionate response,” he said. Dismissing rumours circulating online, Chaudhry also confirmed that no Indian pilot was in Pakistani custody.
He described Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos as a “unified national defence” against Indian aggression and emphasized that Pakistan had met its strategic objectives.
Meanwhile, cities across Pakistan observed Youm-e-Tashakkur (Day of Thanks) on Sunday to celebrate what was widely regarded as a successful defence of the country’s sovereignty.
