Islamabad (Web Desk): Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Tuesday warned that the ongoing conflict involving Iran is part of a larger “Zionist strategy” aimed at expanding Israel’s influence up to Pakistan’s borders and surrounding the country with hostile powers.
Addressing the nation, Asif urged all Pakistanis, regardless of political or religious affiliation, to remain vigilant against what he described as a long-term conspiracy by adversaries targeting the Islamic world. He claimed that since Israel’s creation on Palestinian land, Zionist ideology and the state of Israel have played a direct or indirect role in many conflicts and crises affecting Muslim nations.
The situation in the Middle East escalated sharply after Israel carried out airstrikes on Iranian territory. In response, Tehran launched missile and drone attacks targeting American bases and interests across the Gulf. Iranian authorities reported that several senior officials, including Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, were killed in what they described as unprovoked strikes. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps vowed retaliation, calling the attacks a pivotal moment that would not go unanswered.
Asif condemned Zionism as a global menace, asserting that its influence has dominated the world’s economic and political systems for decades. He emphasized that while Iran sought a diplomatic solution, it was forced into conflict.
Highlighting Pakistan’s strategic significance, the defence minister reminded citizens that the country is a nuclear power with armed forces respected globally for their capabilities. He paid tribute to the nation’s martyrs and military personnel and acknowledged those who helped develop Pakistan’s nuclear program. He also praised former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif for authorizing nuclear tests that established Pakistan as a recognized nuclear state internationally.
Asif warned that a coordinated effort involving Afghanistan, Iran, and India could place Pakistan in a vulnerable position, surrounded by hostile neighbors and exposed to regional instability.
Concluding his statement, the defence minister called for unity among Muslim nations, urged awareness of external threats, and reaffirmed support for the liberation of Palestine. He prayed for Pakistan’s continued strength, security, and protection for its defenders.
