Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said Israel is attempting to sabotage any US-Iran agreement, adding that if such a deal succeeds, it would bring an end to the political career of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Expressing his thoughts on Samaa TV programme 'Mere Sawal with Absar Alam', Asif has stated that if Israel, either alone or in collaboration with India, carries out any aggression against Pakistan, it will be met with a response of equal intensity. He said Pakistan will exercise its right to defend itself.
The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) stalwart said he was not aware of reports suggesting that Israel intended to launch large-scale attacks using weapons of mass destruction against Iran during the recent conflict, but added that “anything can be expected from Israel”.
Palestinian sacrifices to be duly rewarded: Asif
Khawaja Asif said that hostility towards Pakistan among India, Israel and Afghanistan reflects a similar pattern of sentiment. He said that Palestinians’ sacrifices will be duly rewarded, adding that Jews in other countries have also condemned Israeli actions.
He also said that India is providing weapons to terrorists operating in Pakistan, adding that a final decision must be taken against terrorism. He stressed that alongside counter-terrorism efforts, progress on the economic front is also necessary.
'Israel may resort to weapons of mass destruction'
He said that Israel is unpredictable and may not hesitate to use weapons of mass destruction. He warned that any aggression against Pakistan would receive a strong response, and claimed that Israeli camps exist in Indian-occupied Kashmir where training is conducted. He added that India and Israel, acting together, would be given a decisive reply.
'Attempts to block AJK polls'
Asif said that some elements wish to prevent elections in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, however elections must be held. He added that the Pakistan Army is responsible for the security of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. He questioned the sacrifices of politicians in the Action Committee, stating that greater sacrifices have been made by the people of Indian-occupied Kashmir, while the people of Pakistan and Gilgit-Baltistan have also given significant sacrifices.
