In a dramatic escalation of rhetoric between India and Pakistan, Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has responded to Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi’s recent warning with a provocative statement invoking religious sentiment and military defiance. Asif declared, “Pakistan is built in the name of Allah. Our protectors are Allah’s soldiers. This time, India, God willing, will be buried in the debris of its own planes.”
The remarks came days after General Dwivedi cautioned Islamabad to stop sponsoring terrorism or risk being “erased from the world map.” The Indian Army Chief’s statement followed Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s assertion that India “can cross any border whenever necessary” to protect its sovereignty. The comments were made in the context of heightened tensions following Operation Sindoor, India’s retaliatory strikes in May 2025 after the Pahalgam terror attack.
India-Pakistan War of Words – Timeline of Escalation (October 2025)
| Date | Statement/Event | Issued By | Key Message |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 3, 2025 | “Pakistan must stop terrorism or be erased” | Gen Upendra Dwivedi (India) | Warning over continued terror links |
| Oct 4, 2025 | “India can cross any border” | Rajnath Singh (India) | Assertive defence posture |
| Oct 5, 2025 | “India will be buried under debris” | Khawaja Asif (Pakistan) | Retaliatory threat invoking religion |
| Oct 6, 2025 | “Erasure will be mutual” | Pakistan Army Statement | Warning of cataclysmic consequences |
Khawaja Asif’s statement, delivered via social media and later echoed in a televised address, claimed that India’s military and political leadership were attempting to “restore their tarnished reputation” after what he described as a “decisive defeat” during Operation Sindoor. He reiterated Pakistan’s unverified claim of downing six Indian fighter jets, a claim India has consistently denied.
The Pakistan Army also issued a formal statement warning that any future conflict would result in “cataclysmic devastation” across South Asia. “Pakistan shall not hold back. We shall resolutely respond, without any qualms or restraint,” the statement read, directly addressing India’s threat of erasure.
Operation Sindoor – Strategic Overview and Fallout
| Operation Name | Date Initiated | Trigger Event | Indian Objective | Pakistani Claim |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Operation Sindoor | May 7, 2025 | Pahalgam terror attack (Apr 22) | Target terror infrastructure | Claimed downing of 6 Indian jets |
| Duration | 4 days | Ceasefire on May 10 | Precision strikes in PoK & Punjab | No independent verification |
| Indian Outcome | Tactical success | 12 Pakistani aircraft damaged | Strategic deterrence | Pakistan requested ceasefire |
India’s Air Chief Marshal AP Singh confirmed that “at least a dozen” Pakistani aircraft, including US-supplied F-16s, were damaged or destroyed during the strikes. He added that restraint shown during Operation Sindoor would not be repeated in future engagements.
The Indian leadership has maintained that Pakistan’s continued support for cross-border terrorism remains the core issue. “If Pakistan wants to retain its place on the world map, it must dismantle its terror infrastructure,” General Dwivedi said.
India’s Strategic Posture – Military Leadership Statements
| Leader | Role | Statement Summary | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gen Upendra Dwivedi | Army Chief | “Pakistan must stop terrorism or be erased” | Oct 3, 2025 |
| Rajnath Singh | Defence Minister | “India can cross any border if needed” | Oct 4, 2025 |
| AP Singh | Air Chief Marshal | “12 Pakistani jets damaged in May” | Oct 4, 2025 |
Pakistan’s response has drawn criticism from global observers for its religious framing of a geopolitical conflict. Asif’s invocation of “Allah’s soldiers” and threats of divine retribution have been seen as an attempt to rally domestic support amid growing international scrutiny.
Meanwhile, Pakistan has reportedly reached out to US officials with a proposal to develop a strategic port in Pasni, Balochistan, aimed at attracting American investment and countering India’s regional influence. The move is seen as part of Islamabad’s broader pivot towards Washington, especially under President Donald Trump’s renewed engagement with South Asia.
Pakistan’s Strategic Outreach – US Engagement and Port Proposal
| Initiative | Location | Objective | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pasni Port Proposal | Balochistan | Attract US investment, strategic access | Under review |
| US-Pakistan Talks | Islamabad, Dubai | Security and trade cooperation | Ongoing |
| Trump’s Position | Washington DC | Claims to have “stopped war” | India denies |
India has dismissed Trump’s claims, asserting that the ceasefire in May was initiated by Pakistan after suffering heavy losses. Delhi has also expressed concern over Washington’s growing proximity to Islamabad, especially in the context of defence and trade.
Social media platforms have been flooded with reactions to the escalating rhetoric, with hashtags like #IndiaPakistanTensions, #OperationSindoor, and #KhawajaAsif trending across Twitter/X, Instagram, and YouTube.
Public Sentiment – Social Media Buzz on India-Pakistan Tensions
| Platform | Engagement Level | Sentiment (%) | Top Hashtags |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twitter/X | 1.5M mentions | 78% assertive | #IndiaPakistanTensions #OperationSindoor |
| 1.2M interactions | 82% patriotic | #DefendIndia #KhawajaAsif | |
| 950K views | 75% critical | #SouthAsiaSecurity #IndiaStrong | |
| YouTube | 870K views | 80% analytical | #IndiaPakistanConflict #MilitaryRhetoric |
As tensions simmer, diplomatic channels remain quiet. No formal talks have been announced, and both sides continue to reinforce their military readiness. Analysts warn that the rhetoric, if unchecked, could lead to miscalculations and unintended escalation.
In conclusion, Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif’s religiously charged response to India’s ‘erase from map’ warning has intensified an already volatile situation. With both nations trading threats and showcasing military strength, the region faces a precarious moment. The international community watches closely, hoping that strategic restraint prevails over rhetorical brinkmanship.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available news reports, verified government statements, and defence briefings. It does not constitute diplomatic advice or prediction of military outcomes. Readers are advised to follow updates from official sources for accurate information.
