Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has warned that any future hostility from India would be met with an even “more forceful” response, while praising Pakistan’s armed forces for what he described as a decisive military and diplomatic success during last year’s conflict between the two countries.
Speaking at the launch ceremony of a picture book titled The Battle of Truth (Marka-e-Haq) in Islamabad, Asif said Pakistan had emerged stronger and more stable following the confrontation with India and remained fully prepared for any future conflict or “proxy war.”
“We are ready for any kind of Indian proxy war,” Asif said while addressing the gathering organized by Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in collaboration with the Inter-Services Public Relations.
The defence minister said Pakistan’s armed forces had successfully foiled what he called India’s “nefarious designs” during the May 2025 conflict and claimed Pakistan neutralized India’s S-400 air defence system during retaliatory operations.
Tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours escalated after an attack on tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir in Pahalgam, which killed 26 people. India blamed Pakistan-based militants for the attack, allegations Islamabad denied while demanding an independent international investigation.
Following the incident, India launched missile strikes inside Pakistan, which Islamabad described as unlawful aggression that resulted in civilian and military casualties.
Pakistan responded militarily, claiming it downed several Indian fighter aircraft, including Rafale jets, intercepted drones and carried out strikes on multiple Indian military sites before a ceasefire agreement was reached on May 10 with mediation by the United States.
Asif accused India of repeatedly using regional tensions to divert attention from domestic political issues and said India’s “Hindutva mindset” posed a threat to peace and stability across South Asia.
Referring to previous confrontations, including the 2019 Pulwama crisis, the minister said Pakistan had consistently acted responsibly while remaining committed to defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“Pakistan has consistently played a constructive role in promoting global peace,” Asif stated, noting the country’s long-standing participation in United Nations peacekeeping missions.
He also praised the unity shown by the Pakistani people during times of national crisis, saying citizens from across political and regional lines had stood together “like a steel wall” against external threats.
The defence minister added that the newly launched publication was intended to preserve and present Pakistan’s perspective on the conflict and highlight what he described as the country’s sacrifices, resilience and commitment to regional peace and stability.