Defence Minister Khawaja Asif: Kashmir, Indus Waters Treaty to Be Key Topics in Talks with India

ISLAMABAD:Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has confirmed that upcoming talks with India will include a wide range of critical issues, with the restoration of the Indus Waters Treaty and the Kashmir dispute at the top of the agenda.

Speaking to a private television channel, Khawaja Asif emphasized that Pakistan has “crushed India’s arrogance,” and New Delhi can no longer boast about its military might. “We will now engage with India from a position of strength, with national dignity intact,” he said.

The comments come in the aftermath of a recent de-escalation in tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, who reached a ceasefire agreement following several days of intense military exchanges. The ceasefire was announced after diplomatic efforts led by U.S. President Donald Trump.

Despite the ceasefire, India reportedly violated the agreement with shelling across the Line of Control (LoC). The Pakistani military responded robustly to the aggression, and Pakistan’s Foreign Office has accused India of breaching the terms of the truce.

“We are committed to the ceasefire and exercising restraint,” said the Foreign Office spokesperson. “However, Pakistan reserves the right to defend its people and territory in the face of violations.”

Khawaja Asif reiterated that Pakistan seeks peace in the region but not at the cost of its sovereignty and national interests. He noted that while diplomatic dialogue is the preferred path forward, Pakistan will not shy away from defending itself if provoked.

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