Pakistan's Khawaja Asif threatens to 'blow up' Kolkata ahead of Pahalgam attack commemoration

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has issued a sharp warning to India, claiming that any future conflict between the two countries would not remain limited to border regions and could extend inside Indian territory. Speaking to reporters in Sialkot, the minister said that if India launches any military action on what he described as “false pretexts,” Pakistan would respond strongly.

During the interaction with journalists, Asif specifically mentioned Kolkata while warning about the possible spread of conflict. He stated that the consequences would be severe if India attempted any operation against Pakistan, adding that Islamabad would not allow tensions to remain confined to the border areas in such a scenario. The minister also alleged that a “false flag” attack could occur in India in the near future. According to him, such an incident might be used to portray Pakistan as responsible for a terrorist attack. However, he did not provide any evidence to support the claim during his remarks.

The comments come ahead of the anniversary of the Pahalgam incident and have further intensified the already tense rhetoric between the two neighbouring countries. The remarks reflect the continuing strain in relations between India and Pakistan, where political statements and accusations frequently escalate diplomatic tensions.