Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has stirred fresh controversy with his provocative remarks on India’s history. Speaking in an interview with Samaa TV, Asif claimed that India was “never truly united” except during the rule of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, while also warning that the chances of war with India are real.
His comments came just days after India warned Pakistan to stop backing state-sponsored terrorism, or risk losing its geographical presence.
Khawaja Asif’s Remark on Indian History
In the interview, Asif argued:
“History shows India was never one united nation, except briefly under Aurangzeb. Pakistan was created in the name of Allah. At home, we argue and compete, but in a fight with India, we come together.”
However, his claims contradict basic historical facts. Long before the Mughals, India saw political unity under the Maurya Empire (322–185 BCE), which ruled most of the subcontinent. Later, rulers like Samudragupta and Harshavardhana also brought large regions together.
Even during the Mughal period, historians note that while Aurangzeb expanded the empire, his reign was marred by continuous wars and rebellions, unlike Akbar’s stable rule, which consolidated unity with relative peace.
⚔️ “Chances of War With India Are Real”
Asif also issued a warning about the current tensions between the two nations:
“I do not want escalation, but the risks of war with India are real. If it comes to war, God willing, we will achieve a better result than before.”
This statement follows recent remarks by Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, who cautioned Pakistan to end support for terrorism or face serious consequences.
“India is fully prepared this time. We will not show the restraint we did during Operation Sindoor 1.0. This time, Pakistan will have to think whether it wants to exist geographically,” General Dwivedi warned.
Asif’s History of Controversial Statements
Khawaja Asif has previously faced criticism for his bizarre and misleading remarks:
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During Pakistan’s floods, he suggested that people should “store floodwater in containers” instead of letting it drain, calling the disaster a “blessing.”
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After Operation Sindoor, where India destroyed nine terror sites, Asif falsely claimed Pakistan shot down Indian jets. When asked for proof, he pointed to social media rumors, only to be dismissed by CNN anchor Becky Anderson.
⚠️ Tensions Between India and Pakistan Rising
The latest statements add to the already strained ties between India and Pakistan, two nuclear-armed neighbors with a history of wars and border conflicts. Analysts believe Asif’s remarks are part of Pakistan’s political rhetoric, but they risk escalating tensions at a sensitive time.
