Defence Minister Khawaja Asif issued a strong warning on Tuesday regarding the escalating conflict involving Iran, describing the war as a deliberate imposition driven by a broader “Zionist agenda.” He emphasized that despite Tehran’s willingness to negotiate and reach an agreement, external forces have forced a conflict upon Iran. Asif, this strategy aims to expand Israeli influence all the way to Pakistan’s borders, effectively surrounding the country with adversarial powers.
In a detailed statement shared on social media platform X, the minister called upon all 250 million Pakistanis, cutting across political and religious divides, to fully comprehend the gravity of this conspiracy. He stressed the importance of recognizing the intentions of what he referred to as Pakistan’s “eternal enemies,” highlighting the need for national vigilance and unity in the face of such threats.
The situation in the Middle East has deteriorated rapidly, with hostilities intensifying and no clear resolution in sight. Israel has launched attacks targeting Iran, which in response has retaliated by firing missiles and deploying drones against American interests and military bases scattered across the Gulf region. This cycle of violence has escalated tensions not only in the Middle East but also in the broader geopolitical landscape.
During the four-day conflict, several senior Iranian figures, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, were reportedly martyred in what Asif described as “unprovoked and unwarranted” airstrikes conducted by Israel and the United States. Iranian authorities have issued stern warnings that the martyrdom of Khamenei marks a pivotal moment, with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps pledging severe retaliation. They have declared that this “great crime” will not be left unanswered, signaling the potential for further escalation.
In his remarks, the defence minister portrayed Zionism as a profound threat not only to Pakistan but to humanity at large. He traced the roots of this ideology back to the establishment of Israel on Palestinian land and argued that since then, every major calamity and conflict faced by the Islamic world has involved the direct or indirect influence of Zionist policies and the Israeli state. Asif further asserted that Zionism has held sway over the global economic system for the past century, effectively holding major world powers hostage to its interests.
Turning to Pakistan’s strategic position, Asif highlighted the country’s status as a nuclear-armed nation. He expressed gratitude to Allah for the strength and recognition of Pakistan’s armed forces on the international stage. The minister paid homage to the nation’s martyrs and warriors who have sacrificed to protect Pakistan’s sovereignty and prayed for divine blessings on all those who contributed to the country’s nuclear capability. He also acknowledged former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s pivotal role in conducting nuclear tests, which firmly established Pakistan’s position as a nuclear power in the eyes of the world.
Asif reiterated that although Iran was open to peaceful negotiations, war was thrust upon it by external agendas. He warned that the underlying motive behind this conflict, orchestrated by Zionist interests, is to extend Israeli influence right up to Pakistan’s doorstep. This, he cautioned, would lead to a coordinated hostile alignment involving Afghanistan, Iran, and India, aimed at destabilizing Pakistan. Such a scenario, he warned, could result in insecure borders, encirclement by enemies, and the potential reduction of Pakistan to a vassal state.
In conclusion, the defence minister called for unity within the Islamic world and urged Muslims to remain vigilant in identifying their true adversaries. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for the freedom of Palestine and expressed hope that the nation would remain resilient and secure until the Day of Judgment. Asif also prayed for the continued protection of those safeguarding Pakistan’s soil, invoking Allah’s help and support for the country’s defenders in these challenging times.
