Daijiworld Media Network- Islamabad

Islamabad, May 7: In the wake of India’s decisive military action under Operation Sindoor targeting terror bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said his country is open to reducing tensions — if India is willing to de-escalate first.

Speaking to Bloomberg Television on Wednesday, Asif underlined that while Islamabad has no intention of initiating hostilities, it would not hesitate to retaliate if provoked. “We have consistently maintained over the past two weeks that we will not initiate any hostile action against India. However, if we are attacked, we will respond,” he said, adding, “If India chooses to step back, we are fully prepared to wind down this tension.”

Asif’s remarks come a day after Indian armed forces carried out strikes on nine identified terror-linked locations across Pakistan and PoK — a direct response to the gruesome terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam tourist hub that claimed 26 lives and left more than 20 injured.

When asked about any ongoing or planned diplomatic dialogue between the two nuclear-armed neighbours, Asif admitted that, to his knowledge, no such initiative was underway at this time.

India’s Operation Sindoor, named and authorised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has triggered both applause and concern globally. While New Delhi has termed it a message against cross-border terror, Islamabad has labelled the move a provocation.

Asif's statements suggest that Pakistan is watching the developments closely, but is not entirely ruling out a pathway to peace — albeit conditional on India’s posture in the coming days.