- By Supratik Das
- Fri, 09 May 2025 03:41 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has ignited a new controversy with his statement on the recent intrusion of Indian drones in Pakistani airspace, claiming the country made a conscious decision "not to act to keep our location safe." The justification has not only drawn criticism domestically in Pakistan but has also triggered sharp reactions from India. Speaking in the National Assembly, Khawaja Asif claimed that the Pakistani military did not intercept the drones so as not to disclose their strategic positions in the country. Earlier on Thursday, India targeted Air Defence Radars and systems at several locations in Pakistan, including Lahore. According to the statement released by the Indian Ministry of Defence, the response has been in the same domain and intensity as that of Pakistan. It noted that an Air Defence system at Lahore was neutralised in the counterattack.
Madrassa Students As 'Second Line of Defence'?
In another provocative statement, Asif stated, "As far as Madrassas or Madrassa students are concerned, there's no doubt they are our second line of defence. When the time comes, they will be used as needed." This claim has brought international concern in earnest, of engaging religious seminaries in military policy, particularly in an area struggling with extremism and radicalisation.
Majority Stays Neutral, Allies Support: Asif
Khawaja Asif also asserted that the majority of the world is "neutral" towards the current India-Pakistan tensions, and the allied countries are "clearly with Pakistan." He stated, "We are in daily contact with our brothers in the Gulf. Iran's Foreign Minister was here recently, and we had day-long discussions. We are also in regular touch with China." Asif further said, "There is no nation on earth where this type of day-to-day coordination doesn't take place. Our friends have announced their position in support of Pakistan."
Also read: No Proof, Just Provocation: Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif's 'Bluff' Exposed | Reports
The remarks are made during a period in which Pakistan's defence readiness comes under increased international scrutiny, when tensions along India-Pakistan frontiers continue at a high point. The Indian Army successfully thwarted a massive swarm drone attack launched by Pakistan. More than 50 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) were intercepted and neutralised during a large-scale counter-drone operation conducted by Indian Army Air Defence units in the areas of Udhampur, Samba, Jammu, Akhnoor, Nagrota, and Pathankot.
Indian Army Air Defence units employed L-70 anti-aircraft guns, Zu-23mm twin-barrel systems, Soviet-origin Schilka platforms, and other state-of-the-art drone neutralisation technologies. The operation, which stretched into several hours, showcased India's increasing competence in electronic warfare, real-time monitoring, and quick-response capabilities to combat aerial threats. The drone incursion marks a new phase of conflict between India and Pakistan, transitioning from conventional cross-border engagements to advanced drone warfare. While both sides have integrated UAVS into their military operations, critical differences remain in scale, technology, and strategic use of unmanned systems.