Islamabad: As military tensions between Pakistan and India continue to intensify, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has ruled out the use of nuclear weapons at this stage, while warning that further escalation could have far-reaching consequences beyond the region.
In an interview with private TV channels, Asif stated, “The nuclear option is not on the table right now,” but added a stark caution: “If it ever comes to that, those observing from afar will not be spared either. This will not remain a regional matter—it could become a much broader disaster.”
The Defence Minister emphasized that Pakistan’s strategic space is narrowing due to the provocations by India, saying, “India is cornering us into a position where our available choices are being constrained.”
He reiterated that no meeting of the National Command Authority (NCA)—the body responsible for oversight and deployment decisions related to Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal—has been convened, nor is any such meeting currently scheduled.
