ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif said Tuesday that the country demonstrated its military preparedness and operational capability during the May 2025 conflict with India, earning international recognition and boosting confidence in the country’s defense sector.

Speaking on Geo News program "Capital Talk," Asif said Pakistan was “ready and proved its abilities in the May war,” adding that the confrontation highlighted the armed forces’ resolve and effectiveness.

Asif said the conflict exposed India’s strategic weaknesses and damaged Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s credibility at home and abroad.

“India reached out to the United States and also contacted China during the fighting,” Asif said. “Despite that, Pakistan delivered a decisive response.”

He warned that any future aggression would be met in the same way.

Asif said Pakistan’s aircraft and weapons systems were tested during the conflict and have since attracted international attention. “Our military platforms have drawn global interest,” he said.

When asked whether Pakistan was prepared to fight on both its eastern and western borders in 2026, Asif said, “Yes, we are completely ready, and we proved our preparedness in May last year.”

Reduced reliance on IMF

The minister said growing defense procurement orders reflect rising international confidence in Pakistan’s military capabilities.

“This trend can help reduce Pakistan’s reliance on the International Monetary Fund within six months,” he said.

The two nuclear-armed neighbors went to war in May after India launched what Pakistan described as an unprovoked attack following the killing of tourists in Indian-occupied Kashmir.

India has accused Pakistani nationals of carrying out the attack, a claim Islamabad has denied. Pakistan has instead called for a neutral, international investigation.

The fighting ended on May 10 with a US-brokered ceasefire.

Asif said the May conflict reinforced Pakistan’s defense readiness and deterrence posture, adding that the country’s armed forces are respected worldwide.

He also raised concerns about regional security, alleging links between India and militant groups, including the proscribed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, and the Afghan Taliban.

Responding to a question on global affairs, Asif said Russia had “some justifications” for its actions in Ukraine but said the Venezuelan conflict had “no legal or moral basis,” warning that the global order is under strain.

Commenting on Israel, Asif called Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu the world’s “most wanted criminal” and a “worst perpetrator against humanity.”

He added, “If the United States truly stands for human rights, Netanyahu should be brought to trial.”

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Pakistan defense minister says May conflict proved military readiness, deterrence strength