Khawaja Asif warns of 'all-out war' between Pakistan and India

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif warned of a potential "all-out war" between Pakistan and India amid New Delhi's  escalating actions, and Islamabad's readiness to repond to such unfounded aggression. 

In an interview with the CNN, Khawaja Asif stated that he saw "the possibility of the expansion of this conflict into a full-scale war." 

He said that Pakistan was "trying to avoid" war between nuclear-armed countries, but India had crossed the "international boundaries."

Read: Four Pakisani soldiers injured in Lahore drone attack by India: DG ISPR

Asif clarified that Pakistan has "three boundaries, including the working boundary, international boundary, and Line of Control; the other two boundaries are disputed territories." 

"Crossing the international boundary is a clear-cut violation and an invitation to expand the conflict, and may convert it into a much wider and more dangerous situation for the region," he said while expressing concerns about war.

When asked about "what is next?" Khawaja Asif replied, "We are prepared for all of this, absolutely no doubt," adding, "Because India is increasing intensity and escalating this conflict, we should be prepared for all-out war."

Read: Security forces down Indian drone in Karachi's Malir area

Khawaja Asif's statement came after India escalated its tensions with Pakistan through airstrikes late at night on May 7.

The missiles targeted residential areas in Punjab, followed by Pakistan witnessing drones from the Indian side on Thursday; however, all of them were intercepted by the armed forces.

Notably, after the Indian attack, the Pakistani armed forces responded to the cowardly attack by shooting down five warplanes, including three Rafale jets of the Indian Air Force, while destroying several military checkpoints, including a brigade headquarters.

The Indian army retreated and raised a white flag along LoC.

Subsequently, the National Security Committee gave permission and full powers to the Pakistan Army to retaliate. Pakistan expressed its determination to give a fitting reply to the Indian attack.