Tensions Between Pakistan and India: War Would Be Devastating for All, Says Khawaja Saad Rafique

Lahore: Senior Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) leader Khawaja Saad Rafique has expressed deep concern over the escalating tensions between Pakistan and India, warning that if a war breaks out between the two nuclear-armed nations, “no one will be left with anything.”
Commenting on social media in response to speculations of a potential Indian false flag operation, Rafique criticized the Indian government’s reaction to the Pulwama incident, calling it an “irrational and reckless act” to blame Pakistan without evidence or investigation. He described such actions by the extremist Modi-led government as irresponsible.
Referring to recent developments, Rafique stated that India’s unlawful revocation of the Indus Waters Treaty and other anti-Pakistan moves have significantly increased tensions in the region. He emphasized that Pakistan’s actions are merely retaliatory in nature.
“We will not initiate any aggression, but if attacked, we will respond with full force,” Rafique warned. He added that meaningful negotiations with India could have resolved several long-standing issues.
The PML-N leader underlined that the core issue between the two countries is the Kashmir dispute. “If Kashmiris are granted the right to self-determination as per UN resolutions, we can move toward lasting peace,” he said.
Rafique also stressed that all bilateral disputes — including water sharing, Siachen, and Sir Creek — can be resolved through dialogue. However, he lamented that successive Indian governments have consistently avoided talks.
“Let’s accept that we cannot eliminate each other. War has never solved any problem,” Rafique said. He urged both countries to engage in dialogue, create pathways for cooperation, and learn to coexist peacefully. He concluded by saying that sustainable peace could bring prosperity and stability to the entire region.