Pakistan Reaffirms Defensive Nuclear Posture Amid Regional Tensions

Download IPFS

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan’s Defence Minister, Khawaja Asif, has reiterated that the country’s nuclear assets are strictly intended for national defence and not for coercion or intimidation. Speaking to Geo News on Friday, Asif underscored that Pakistan maintains a responsible nuclear posture, emphasizing deterrence over aggression.

“Pakistan does not threaten any country with its nuclear capability. Our program exists solely as a safeguard for national security,” he stated, highlighting Islamabad’s commitment to strategic stability in South Asia.

Asif also addressed growing tensions with India, criticizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. According to the Pakistani minister, Modi now fixates on Pakistan and its military, viewing the prospect of confrontation as a nightmare. He pointed out that while Pakistan has consistently fought wars in self-defence, India under Modi faces mounting domestic challenges, including rising opposition and public dissatisfaction over governance and economic performance.

The Defence Minister recalled the escalation of hostilities in May 2025, when India blamed Pakistan for an attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). The resulting military clash concluded with a ceasefire on May 10, following Pakistan’s decisive retaliatory action and the downing of six Indian fighter jets. Asif noted that although the United States brokered a ceasefire, India disputes the nature of external involvement in ending the confrontation.

Asif also accused India of sponsoring terrorism within Pakistan through proxy organizations, such as the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and Taliban factions. He emphasized that Islamabad has concrete evidence of Indian involvement and has shared it with international bodies, framing Pakistan as a responsible actor exposing destabilizing external threats.

The minister stressed that sustainable peace in South Asia depends on nations acting as cooperative neighbours. He urged India and regional partners to prioritise stability and economic development, highlighting that progress and security are inseparable for the people of the subcontinent.

By reaffirming Pakistan’s defensive posture, Asif sought to project strength while promoting the narrative of Pakistan as a stabilizing force in a volatile region. His statements underline Islamabad’s strategic messaging: deterrence is meant to prevent conflict, not provoke it, and Pakistan remains committed to safeguarding its sovereignty against external aggression.

This stance signals a clear message to regional actors and the international community: Pakistan’s military capability is robust, responsible, and prepared, ensuring that any potential threats are met with a measured and resolute response.