New Delhi relies on ‘fabricated crises’ that do not stand up to international scrutiny
Defense Minister Khawaja Asif and his Indian counterpart Rajnath Singh in a combined photo exhibition. Photo: AFP/File
Defense Minister Khawaja Asif on Thursday warned his Indian counterpart Rajnath Singh against escalating tensions ahead of the anniversary of the deadly Pahalgam attack, calling the latter’s recent threatening remarks provocative and politically motivated.
On April 22 last year, 26 tourists were killed in a brutal attack in Pahalgam, located in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). Just weeks before the anniversary, Singh issued a stern warning to Pakistan earlier today against any misadventure at the border, saying any hostile action by Pakistan would result in a decisive and unprecedented response.
In a pointed post on Asif accused New Delhi of relying on “fabricated crises” that have not stood up to international scrutiny.
“Such threat incitement is not new,” he said, adding that it followed a predictable pattern of externalizing India’s internal vulnerabilities and provoking escalation under the guise of unsubstantiated allegations in the name of vested political interests.
The repeated rhetoric reflects not strength, but visible strategic anxiety as the anniversary of the false flag operation in Pahlgam approaches – an episode that has not withstood international scrutiny and exposed New Delhi’s reliance on fabricated crises.
Such…
– Khawaja M. Asif (@KhawajaMAsif) April 2, 2026
Recalling the response of the Pakistani armed forces in May last year during Operation Marka-e-Haq, Asif warned that history was a stark reminder of the consequences of miscalculation. “Marka-e-Haq remains fresh in our minds. Next time, our response will be even more forceful and decisive. Let there be no ambiguity,” he asserted.
Asif stressed that Pakistan remained committed to regional peace and stability, but was fully prepared to defend its sovereignty with a rapid, calibrated and decisive response in the event of provocation.
“Let me remind Rajnath Singh that the illusion of space for war between two nuclear states is inconceivable and will have drastic consequences,” he warned, urging India to focus on resolving the growing unease within its own strategic and diplomatic circles rather than resorting to aggressive stances.
Tensions between Pakistan and India increased after the Pahalgam attack on April 22.
In response, India undertook a series of hostile actions the next day, April 23, including suspending the 65-year-old Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), canceling visas of Pakistani citizens, closing the Wagah-Attari border post, and ordering the closure of the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi. India and Pakistan subsequently reduced diplomatic staff at their respective embassies in the respective countries.
Pakistan strongly rejected the accusation as baseless, but took reciprocal action through its National Security Committee. These included stopping trade with India, closing Pakistani airspace to Indian aircraft and other countermeasures.
On the night of May 7, the Indian Air Force launched an unprovoked attack on civilian targets in Pakistan. The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) immediately retaliated and shot down at least six IAF jets, including three French-built Rafales.
Worse still, on the night of May 9-10, India launched a new series of strikes against Pakistan, but this time targeting military sites and air bases.
In retaliation, Pakistan launched Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, retaliating against Indian military installations, including missile storage sites, airbases and other strategic targets. The early morning strikes came as a shock to India’s military leadership, which had underestimated Pakistan’s response to their unprovoked attacks.
As the conflict escalated, US President Donald Trump announced on May 10 that a ceasefire had been reached after intense diplomatic efforts overnight. Both sides gradually reduced their numbers at the international border over the following weeks.
