Pakistan defence minister flags it would hit Kolkata in ‘future’ conflict with India

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has stirred fresh tensions with India after warning that Pakistan could respond with a strike on Kolkata if New Delhi attempts what he called a “future misadventure.” The statement adds to the increasingly sharp rhetoric between the two nuclear armed neighbours .

Speaking to reporters in Sialkot , his hometown near Lahore, Asif alleged that India might attempt a “false flag operation” and blame Pakistan for it. He claimed there were reports suggesting such a plan could involve staging an attack and presenting those responsible as terrorists.

“If India tries to stage any false flag operation this time, then God willing, we will take it to Kolkata ,” Asif said while addressing the media.

However, the Pakistani minister did not provide any evidence to support his claim about a planned false flag operation.

The remarks follow another warning by Asif earlier this week, when he said Pakistan’s response to any attack would be “swift, calibrated and decisive.”

His comments came in response to a statement by India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh , who had warned that any hostile move from India’s neighbour would invite “unprecedented and decisive action.”

Relations between the two countries remain tense following the Pahalgam attack in April last year , which triggered a four day military confrontation between India and Pakistan. Although open hostilities subsided soon after, the incident left deep mistrust and heightened security concerns on both sides.

Observers say the latest exchange highlights the fragile nature of India Pakistan relations , where political statements and warnings often keep tensions simmering even in the absence of direct conflict.