Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Saturday issued a strong warning to India, saying Islamabad would respond firmly to any “future misadventure,” even mentioning Kolkata as a potential target.
Speaking to reporters in Sialkot, Asif said, “If India tries to stage any false flag operation this time, then God-willingly, we will take it to Kolkata.”
Allegations of ‘false flag’ without evidence
The Pakistani minister claimed that there were reports suggesting a possible “false flag operation” being planned, alleging it could involve using individuals in custody to stage an incident and blame it on Pakistan.
However, he did not provide any evidence to support these claims.
Backdrop of escalating rhetoric between India and Pakistan
Asif’s remarks come amid heightened tensions between the two countries following statements from Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
Rajnath Singh had earlier warned that any “misadventure” from India’s neighbour would be met with “unprecedented and decisive” action.
Responding to this, Asif reiterated that Pakistan’s reaction to any attack would be “swift, calibrated, and decisive.”
Tensions linked to past conflict
The exchange of statements follows the backdrop of last year’s Pahalgam attack on April 22, which had escalated into a four-day conflict between India and Pakistan.
