Pakistan’s Defence Minister Issues Threat After Indian Leaders’ Comments on Operation Sindoor

Islamabad / New Delhi, October 5: Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has issued a provocative statement warning that India would be “buried under the wreckage of its warplanes,” in response to what he termed “provocative” remarks by Indian military and political leaders.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Asif alleged that India’s leadership was attempting to “restore lost credibility” following recent military operations. Accusing New Delhi of heightening tensions to divert public attention from internal issues, Asif wrote:

“Pakistan is a state built in the name of Allah, and our defenders are soldiers of Allah. This time, India, Inshallah, will be buried under the wreckage of its planes. Allahu Akbar.”

His comments have drawn sharp criticism from Indian security and diplomatic circles, which described them as “irresponsible” and “reflective of desperation” within Pakistan’s political establishment.

Background: Operation Sindoor and Cross-Border Tensions

Asif’s statement follows India’s Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7, in retaliation to the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which claimed multiple lives. The Indian Air Force conducted precision strikes on terror infrastructure across the border, eliminating over 100 militants and destroying several facilities used by Pakistan-based terror groups.

Indian officials said Pakistan suffered significant losses, including multiple drone and fighter jet downings, and that satellite imagery confirmed damage to military installations in Pakistan. Islamabad, however, has repeatedly denied these claims, calling them “fabrications,” while offering no evidence to support its counter-claims of victory.

India Responds to ‘Extremist’ Remarks

Top Indian intelligence sources have dismissed Khawaja Asif’s statement as “out-of-turn and extremist,” warning that such rhetoric exposes Pakistan’s internal turmoil and global isolation.

“India’s credibility is built on action, not propaganda,” said one official. “Our armed forces act with professionalism, restraint, and precision — unlike Pakistan, which hides behind religious posturing and disinformation.”

The sources added that Asif’s remarks were intended to distract from Pakistan’s deepening economic crisis, domestic unrest, and loss of international credibility. They emphasized that India “will not be provoked by hate-driven rhetoric,” but any aggression from Pakistan would be met with a decisive and proportionate response.

Indian Military Leaders Warn of Stronger Retaliation

On Friday, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi cautioned Islamabad that India would not show the same restraint it exercised during Operation Sindoor 1.0.

“If Pakistan wants to remain in geography, it must stop state-sponsored terrorism,” General Dwivedi said, warning that any future provocation would invite a response severe enough to make Pakistan “reconsider its actions.”

Meanwhile, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh confirmed that during the May operation, Indian forces shot down between 12 and 13 high-tech Pakistani fighter jets, including F-16s and JF-17s.

Dismissing Pakistan’s counterclaims as “manohar kahaniyan” (fanciful stories), Air Chief Singh said:

“India targeted a large number of enemy airfields and military installations, destroying at least five high-performance fighters — including U.S.-made F-16s, Chinese-made JF-17s, and one AEW&C surveillance aircraft — during four days of cross-border engagements.”

Strategic Outlook

The latest exchange of threats marks a new low in bilateral relations following months of heightened military tension between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. Diplomatic observers note that Pakistan’s leadership, facing deep internal instability, has increasingly resorted to aggressive rhetoric and religious overtones to rally domestic support.

Indian defence analysts, however, maintain that New Delhi’s strategy remains measured but firm, prioritizing security interests and deterrence over escalation.