Shimla Agreement Is Over, We’re Back to 1948 Position: Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif has declared that the **Shimla Agreement with India is now void**, stating that the **Line of Control (LoC)** should now be considered a **ceasefire line**, reverting to the 1948 status quo.

Speaking in a televised interview with a private news channel, the minister emphasized that while Pakistan **seeks peace**, the **threat of war with India remains real**. “If war is imposed on us, we will respond even more strongly than before,” he warned.

Khawaja Asif also spoke about Pakistan’s policy on **Afghan refugees**, saying that they **should return to their homeland**. “Afghans do not show loyalty to our land; they must resettle in their own country,” he remarked.

Touching on regional security, he mentioned past U.S. concerns regarding the **Haqqani network**, recalling how he personally witnessed separatist slogans like “Pashtunistan” in the 1970s. He added that during a recent jirga in Peshawar, **Army Chief General Asim Munir** addressed tribal elders in former FATA regions, urging them not to host anti-state elements. “We can eliminate them within a month,” the minister quoted the army chief.

Asif also emphasized Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts, noting that **Bilawal Bhutto Zardari is currently leading a delegation abroad** to convey Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace. However, he reiterated: “If aggression is carried out, we will retaliate.”

On internal challenges, the minister pointed to India’s alleged involvement in **cross-border terrorism** via Afghanistan, linking Indian agents to attacks on Pakistani soil. “No true Muslim could commit the atrocities we’ve seen,” he said, referring to extremist violence.

He accused India of supporting **banned groups like the BLA (Balochistan Liberation Army)** and opposing projects such as **CPEC (China-Pakistan Economic Corridor)**.

Highlighting Pakistan’s defense capability, he said: “After the wars with India, we have emerged stronger militarily. Orders for our JF-17 Thunder fighter jets are increasing.” He also raised concerns about **massive tax evasion**, calling for stronger revenue collection to **fund national defense needs**.

The Defence Minister’s remarks signal a hardening of Pakistan’s stance toward both India and internal security challenges, while also reflecting efforts to balance defense preparedness with diplomacy.