Kolkata is the latest city to feature in Pakistan’s growing list of warnings to India, but as in previous instances, the remarks were accompanied by sweeping claims without supporting evidence.
Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Saturday warned that any future conflict would not remain confined to border areas and could extend deep into Indian territory, naming Kolkata as a potential target.
“If India tries to stage any false flag operation this time, then God-willingly, we will take it to Kolkata,” Asif said while speaking to reporters in Sialkot, without providing evidence to support his claims.
Escalation in rhetoric
Asif further intensified his warning, suggesting that any renewed confrontation would be far more expansive.
“If they try again, they will face even greater humiliation than last year. This time, the conflict will not remain limited to 200 to 250 km. We will enter their territory and strike them inside their own homes,” he said.
The remarks echo earlier statements from Pakistan’s establishment about widening the scope of conflict, though no specific developments were cited to justify the shift in tone.
India’s response
The comments come shortly after a strong message from India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who warned that any provocation would invite an “unprecedented and decisive” response.
Referring to the April 2025 Pahalgam attack, Singh said India’s response was far from over.
“I would like to tell you the operation is not over yet. If such dirty actions are repeated by Pakistan, our armed forces will give a befitting reply which they would not forget ever,” he said.
From Pahalgam to ceasefire
Tensions between the two countries escalated sharply after the April 22, 2025 attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people. In response, India launched Operation Sindoor, targeting terror infrastructure across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir using missiles and drones.
Pakistan retaliated with artillery, drone and missile strikes, broadening the conflict before both sides agreed to a ceasefire on May 10 following direct talks.
Former envoy’s remarks add to row
The situation has been further complicated by recent comments from former Pakistan High Commissioner to India Abdul Basit, who sparked controversy with hypothetical remarks about targeting Indian cities.
“If America attacks Pakistan we have to attack India, Mumbai, New Delhi, without a second thought,” Basit said during a discussion, while also noting that such a scenario was unlikely.
Regional tensions persist
The developments come amid rising tensions on Pakistan’s western front as well. Afghan authorities have accused Pakistani forces of carrying out airstrikes in areas including Kabul, Kandahar and Paktika. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid alleged that civilian sites were hit, though independent confirmation remains limited.
India has not officially responded to Asif’s latest remarks so far, but the statements have sparked widespread attention as rhetoric between the two sides continues to harden.
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