Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said on Wednesday that the Pakistan-Indian relations have reverted to the 1948 position.
Speaking on Samaa TV’s programme “Nadeem Malik Live”, he said that Pakistan-India relations have reverted to the 1948 position. Asif had termed India’s Hindutva ideology as dangerous for the region, saying its proponents could go to any lengths to achieve their goals.He termed the Shimla Agreement “defunct,” saying that the Line of Control (LoC) should now be considered a ceasefire line and dialogue is required regarding its status. Criticising Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Asif said: “Even Rahul Gandhi has dubbed him Surrender Modi. I have not seen anyone more thoroughly disgraced.”
“Whereas leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru held stature, Modi, in his view, does not,” Asif added.
Asif said that regional countries were pressing for peace to be maintained, but warned that the threat of war still exists.
He maintained: “If India imposes war again, Pakistan will respond more strongly than before.”
Asif said, “Pakistan does not seek war, but if forced into one, the entire nation will unite in its response.”
Highlighting the significance of the Pakistani delegation’s foreign visits under Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari’s leadership, he said it is vital to convince the international community that Pakistan desires peace, and that issues with India should be resolved with global mediation.
On the economic front, Asif remarked that Pakistan’s economy is improving, and the Finance Minister is playing a key role in the process.
Regarding Kashmir, he asserted that the Kashmir issue has gained international attention.
Referring to the Peshawar jirga, Asif recalled that Field Marshal Ayub Khan had spoken candidly with the FATA’s people, adding that if the practice of hosting enemies was stopped, terrorism could be eradicated within a month.
On the matter of Afghan refugees, Asif said: “The repatriation policy should continue, as they have shown no loyalty to Pakistani soil.”
Citing historical context, Asif said: “In 1972, I witnessed the Pakhtunistan flag on Khyber Road and attended meetings where the United States urged action against the Haqqani network.”
He reiterated that Indian agents are involved in terrorist activities against Pakistan from Afghan territory.
