Modi’s days are numbered: Khawaja Asif

Federal Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is facing mounting criticism both inside and outside the Indian Parliament, stating that “Modi’s days are numbered” and the final verdict will rest with the Indian public.

Speaking to reporters, Asif outlined Pakistan’s position ahead of any potential dialogue with India, saying that the talks would focus on three core issues: terrorism, Kashmir, and water disputes.

He confirmed that terrorism would be on the agenda, along with the longstanding Kashmir conflict and concerns over India’s handling of the Indus Waters Treaty.

Asif reiterated Pakistan’s stance on counterterrorism, noting that the country has been a victim of terrorism for 25 years and continues to be unfairly blamed. “The world must now decide for itself. Pakistan has suffered the most in the global war on terror,” he said, adding that Pakistan’s efforts and sacrifices should be recognised.

The minister recalled that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had already offered to investigate recent terror incidents and said Pakistan remains open to dialogue — provided its role in combating terrorism is acknowledged.

On Kashmir, Asif stressed that the dispute remains unresolved and must be addressed in any talks. Regarding water issues, he criticised attempts to politicise the matter and warned that the Indus Waters Treaty should not be tampered with.

He accused India of supporting terrorism for years and called it an “international terrorist actor,” referencing evidence allegedly found in Canada and the United States. “These proofs should be presented in any future talks,” he said.

Commenting again on the Indian political climate, Asif stated that Modi has lost control and failed to manage the growing dissent. “He tried to contain the situation in his recent speech, but things have gone beyond his grasp,” Asif said.

The minister also alleged that India has been sponsoring terrorism for years, with evidence of Indian involvement surfacing in both Canada and the United States.

“These facts must be brought to the table in any negotiation,” he said.

The minister concluded by noting Modi’s recent speech was an attempt to contain political damage but claimed the situation has already spiralled beyond repair.

India-Pakistan ceasefire follows escalation, but fragile calm persists

A full and immediate ceasefire between India and Pakistan was announced on May 10 after days of heightened military exchanges that brought both nuclear-armed neighbours to the brink of war.

The announcement was first made by US President Donald Trump and later confirmed by Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Tensions flared following an April 22 attack in Pahalgam, Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), which left 26 civilians dead.

India blamed Pakistan-based elements without presenting any evidence, Islamabad rejected the allegations. In response, India closed the Wagah border, revoked visas, and suspended the Indus Waters Treaty—moves Pakistan called an “act of war.”

The conflict intensified with India's missile attracks and drone incursions as it lauched its Operation Sindoor.

Pakistan's military launched Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos in retaliation, and announced it had downed five Indian jets—including Rafales—and intercepted 77 Israeli-made Harop drones.

Following diplomatic intervention led by Washington, both sides agreed to halt military activity across land, air, and sea. However, hours after the truce, fresh skirmishes were reported along both sides of the Line of Control.

Explosions were heard in Srinagar and exchanges of fire were cited by officials on both sides, raising concerns over the ceasefire’s durability.

Pakistan’s Foreign Office reiterated its commitment to the ceasefire while accusing India of violations.

DG ISPR Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry stressed that Pakistan had not requested the truce, asserting that India initiated the ceasefire request following Pakistan’s retaliatory strikes. He described war between two nuclear powers as “inconceivable” and “an absurdity.”

Chaudhry confirmed that no Indian pilot was in Pakistani custody, dismissing viral claims as misinformation.

He called Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos a unified national response to Indian aggression, noting Pakistan had delivered on its commitments to respond decisively and proportionately.

Cities across Pakistan observed Youm-e-Tashakkur (Day of Thanks) on Sunday to mark what was hailed domestically as a successful defence of national sovereignty.