Option to use nuclear weapons always available: Asif

ISLAMABAD: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Monday said India was waging a proxy war against Pakistan through terrorism.

“Fuelling terrorism directly or indirectly is India’s proxy war in Pakistan,” Asif told Saleem Safi on Geo News programme ‘Jirga’.

The minister said there was evidence of India’s support to Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Baloch separatists. He added that this evidence had been presented at international forums.

Khawaja Asif emphasised that Pakistan’s defence capability was strong. According to the defence minister use of nuclear weapons was an option as they were not merely kept for show but as deterrents.

“We should pray that such an option never arises, but if we need to use them (nuclear weapons) for our survival we will.”

When asked about Indian support to Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), Asif replied that these reports were only days old and if there was any evidence found it will be presented in international forums.