Pakistan on Backfoot? Offers to De-Escalate if India Wraps Up After Missile Strikes
ISLAMABAD, May 7: Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has stated that his country is ready to “wrap up” tensions with India—if New Delhi chooses to de-escalate. The statement comes in the aftermath of Indian missile strikes on terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), a retaliatory action following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives, primarily tourists.
In an interview with Bloomberg Television on Wednesday, Asif clarified Pakistan’s position, emphasizing that the country would only retaliate if provoked. “We have been saying all along in the last fortnight that we’ll never initiate anything hostile towards India. But if we’re attacked, we’ll respond. If India backs down, we will definitely wrap up this tension,” he said.
When asked about the possibility of diplomatic talks or backchannel negotiations, Asif said he was unaware of any such developments.
The Indian military carried out coordinated missile strikes on nine identified terror locations in Pakistan and PoK early Wednesday, as part of its response to the Pahalgam attack. These strikes reportedly resulted in 26 fatalities and 46 injuries, according to Pakistan Army spokesperson Lt Gen Ahmad Sharif Chaudhry.
In a stern reaction, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed full confidence in the military’s readiness and resolve. “Pakistan has every right to give a befitting reply to this act of war imposed by India, and a strong response is indeed being given,” Sharif stated, adding, “We will never let the enemy succeed in its nefarious objectives.”
India, meanwhile, has announced a series of punitive diplomatic and strategic measures in response to the terror attack. These include suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, closing the Attari-Wagah land border—the only operational crossing between the two countries—and downgrading diplomatic ties.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi reportedly assured India’s top defence officials that they have “complete operational freedom” in determining the scope, targets, and timing of India’s countermeasures.
The rapid escalation in hostilities and corresponding rhetoric on both sides has put the already fragile relations between the two nuclear-armed neighbours under severe strain. However, Asif’s comments offer a potential opening for de-escalation—provided both sides take steps toward easing tensions.
Based on a story by PTI
