Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has issued a strong warning to India over the Indus Waters Treaty, urging New Delhi to remember the “lesson of May 10".
In an exclusive interview with Samaa TV, Asif accused India of backing both the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and what he termed “Fitna-ul-Hindustan".
“Whether it’s the TTP or other disruptive elements, India’s involvement is evident,” the minister stated, reiterating Islamabad’s concerns about cross-border destabilization efforts.
Law and order: A joint responsibility
While acknowledging that maintaining law and order falls under the jurisdiction of provincial governments, Asif emphasized that the federal government is also playing its role in ensuring peace.
“The establishment of peace is not solely the provinces’ job. The federation is fulfilling its duties as well,” he said, pointing to ongoing security operations in sensitive regions.
Balochistan operation: 'surgery first, ointment later'
Speaking on the deteriorating security situation in Balochistan, the defence minister used a medical analogy to describe the government’s counter-terrorism approach.
“Surgery is currently being done against terrorism in Balochistan. After that, the treatment will be completed by applying political ointment,” he remarked, indicating that political reconciliation will follow the military operation.
Welcomes political cooperation in KP
Asif also welcomed the ongoing political negotiations over Senate seat allocations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), calling it a “positive development” for democracy.
“I wish the spirit of political give-and-take that we see in KP would also prevail at the national level,” he added, suggesting that broader cooperation is needed to stabilize Pakistan’s political climate.
When asked about the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party's internal dynamics, Asif noted that while many within PTI understand the need for political compromise, the party founder remains rigid.
“Other PTI members understand the gravity of the situation. If their founder doesn’t, then that’s his own party’s problem,” he said.
