“If the War Escalates, I Will Go to England”: Marwat’s Remark Sparks Outrage Amid Indo-Pak Tensions

 India has intensified its diplomatic and economic pressure on Pakistan following the brutal terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, in which 26 tourists were killed. As part of a second phase of punitive measures, the Indian government has now halted all imports from Pakistan, banned the docking of Pakistan-owned ships at Indian ports, and suspended incoming mail and parcels from across the border.

These moves mark a firm escalation in India’s response, signaling a zero-tolerance policy towards cross-border terrorism, particularly in light of evidence suggesting Pakistani involvement in the Pahalgam incident.

Amid growing speculation about a possible military response and the rising possibility of armed conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbours, a controversial remark by Pakistani politician Sher Afzal Khan Marwat has further inflamed public discourse.

Responding to a reporter’s question on whether he would join the fight in the event of war, Marwat—who serves as a member of Pakistan’s National Assembly—stated candidly: “If the war escalates, I will go to England.”

Journalist : Agar india ne attack kar diya to?
Shet Afzal Khan Marwat : To hum London bhag jayenge

Afzal Khan is a senior terrorist in Pakistan.

Even they don’t trust their army. 😂 pic.twitter.com/LBmFQ1ysSr

— rae (@ChillamChilli) May 3, 2025

The statement, which quickly went viral on social media, drew widespread criticism, with many users interpreting it as a reflection of the political elite’s disconnect from national responsibility and a lack of faith in Pakistan’s military establishment.

In the same interaction, Marwat was asked whether he believed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi should exercise restraint to de-escalate the situation. He retorted, “Modi mera khaala ka beta hai jo mere kehne se peeche jayega?” (Is Modi my aunt’s son that he’ll back off just because I say so?). The comment, perceived as dismissive and sarcastic, further underscored the growing strain in diplomatic rhetoric.

Marwat, once a senior figure in the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) led by jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan, has been a vocal critic of the party’s leadership in recent months. His repeated dissent led to his removal from key party positions.

Meanwhile, tensions along the Line of Control (LoC) remain high. On Saturday night, Pakistani forces again violated the ceasefire by engaging in small arms fire across multiple sectors, including Kupwara, Baramulla, Poonch, Rajouri, Mendhar, Naushera, Sunderbani, and Akhnoor. This marked the tenth consecutive night of ceasefire violations. The Indian Army responded promptly and firmly.

As the situation continues to evolve, India’s comprehensive response—spanning military readiness, economic sanctions, and diplomatic isolation—indicates a decisive stance in the wake of the Pahalgam attack. The international community now watches closely for further developments in the already fragile Indo-Pak dynamic.