The escalating tensions between India and Pakistan have reached a critical point, with both nations exchanging aggressive rhetoric and military actions. On May 10, 2025, Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif addressed the nation, stating that while the option of using nuclear weapons exists, it remains a distant possibility. Asif's comments came amidst heightened military activities and diplomatic maneuvering following recent incidents that have further strained relations between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
On May 7, Indian armed forces conducted precision strikes on terror launchpads in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), a response to the April 22 Pahalgam attack that was linked to cross-border terrorism. These actions have intensified the already fraught atmosphere, with Asif remarking on May 9 that Pakistan sees no option left but full-scale war due to India's aggressive actions over the previous days.
In an interview with ARY News, Asif said, "These things that you have spoken about (nuclear option) is present, but let’s not talk about it. It should be treated as a very distant possibility—something not even worth discussing in the current context." This statement reflects a complex balancing act for Pakistan, as it navigates the dire implications of its military posture while attempting to avoid escalating the conflict further.
Adding to the tension, Asif bizarrely claimed that Pakistan had shot down five Indian jets, citing evidence from social media. When pressed for details about the incident and the equipment used, he stated, "It’s all over the social media, on Indian social media, not on our social media. The debris of these jets fell into Kashmir. And it’s all over Indian media today and they have admitted." However, he could not provide specifics about the aircraft deployed by Pakistan during these purported engagements.
Asif also noted that Pakistan's military capabilities include Chinese-manufactured planes, specifically the JF-17 and JF-10, which are assembled within the country. He emphasized that Pakistan, like India, has the right to procure military equipment from various international sources, stating, "If India can buy planes from France and use them, we can also buy planes from China or Russia or United States, UK and use them." This assertion underscores the ongoing arms race and the regional power dynamics that fuel the conflict.
On the same day, reports emerged from Pakistani media suggesting that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had convened a meeting of the National Command Authority (NCA), the body responsible for making operational decisions regarding Pakistan's nuclear arsenal. However, within hours, Asif denied that such a meeting had taken place, indicating a potential shift in the government's stance under diplomatic pressure.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had been in contact with key Pakistani and Indian officials, including Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir and India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, to address the escalating situation. Following these discussions, Asif reiterated that the nuclear option was not under consideration, but he issued a warning about the potential for wider destruction if the situation continued to deteriorate. "I am telling the world that this is not going to be confined to the region only; it could be a much wider destruction. Our options are being reduced considering the situation India is creating," he stated.
The backdrop of these developments includes the recent Pahalgama terror attack and India's subsequent Operation Sindoor, which targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and PoK. The operation has drawn sharp criticism from Pakistan, which views it as an infringement on its sovereignty.
As tensions mount, the international community watches closely, concerned about the potential for conflict between two countries that possess nuclear capabilities. The nuclear bogey has often been used by Pakistan as a strategic leverage during times of crisis, and Sharif has previously referred to the nation's nuclear capabilities in various addresses, emphasizing their importance in the geopolitical landscape.
The current crisis illustrates the fragile state of affairs between India and Pakistan, where military actions and diplomatic dialogues are in constant flux. Asif's statements, while downplaying the immediate threat of nuclear conflict, reveal the underlying volatility and the precarious balance that both nations must maintain to avoid a catastrophic escalation.
In summary, the situation remains tense as both countries navigate a complex web of military posturing, national pride, and international diplomacy. With each side asserting its position, the possibility of a peaceful resolution seems increasingly distant, leaving many to wonder what the future holds for this long-standing rivalry.
