Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif stated on Friday that recent Indian drone incursions into Pakistani territory were primarily intended to trace specific locations rather than inflict immediate damage. He added that Pakistani forces had chosen not to intercept the drones deliberately.
Speaking in the National Assembly, Asif underscored that Pakistan would respond to Indian aggression with precision and restraint, stressing that the country does not seek to harm Indian civilians but will defend itself against military provocations.
“In the coming days, it will become evident how capable our armed forces are in safeguarding the nation,” he remarked, commending the efforts of troops stationed along the Line of Control (LoC) and the Working Boundary.
Asif accused India of breaching international norms by targeting civilian areas, a move he warned could further escalate regional tensions. “Our military is acting with both courage and restraint,” he said.
Touching on international diplomacy, the minister noted that several key allies—including Turkey, China, and Azerbaijan—have voiced support for Pakistan amid rising friction with India.
“Even India’s traditional partners have distanced themselves from its current approach,” he added.
Asif emphasized that while many global powers are maintaining a neutral stance, Pakistan remains in active diplomatic contact with all major nations and is far from isolated.
In an earlier appearance on private news channel, Asif dismissed Indian claims that a Pakistani aircraft had been shot down, calling them a diversionary tactic to deflect attention from India’s own aerial losses.
“India initially denied losing any aircraft. Now, even the ejection seat manufacturer has confirmed that four seats were deployed—an implicit confirmation of Indian aircraft losses,” he pointed out.
He criticized the Indian government and media for shifting narratives and misleading both domestic and international audiences.
The renewed hostilities between the two nuclear-armed states have raised alarms over the potential for broader conflict, prompting calls for de-escalation. Pakistani officials have reiterated their preference for peace, while affirming that national security will not be compromised.
The situation remains tense along the LoC, with both sides reporting sporadic exchanges of fire. Islamabad has urged the international community to take note of what it describes as India’s “reckless behavior” and its threat to regional stability.
