Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has issued a sharp warning that rising tensions with India could push the region dangerously close to nuclear conflict as Islamabad wheels from a deadly cross -border attack, it has felt an “obvious war.”

In an interview to Geo News On Wednesday, Asif warned that the risk of escalation was “very real” after India’s air strikes on Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir earlier in the morning.

The coordinated attacks targeted at least six places, including mosques and infrastructure projects, killed 31 civilians and wounded at least 71, according to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

“This region has been exposed to nuclear threats before – and we could go against another strategic resistance,” the minister said. “India is undergoing a major internal crisis, and its aggression is putting the whole region’s peace and security at risk.”

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also approached the situation in the National Assembly and condemned what he described as India’s “Spineless Assault in the Dead of Night.” He praised the armed forces for their quick and crucial retaliation. “With the help of Allah and our people’s prayers, our military gave an appropriate answer,” he said.

In considerable military development, Pakistan’s armed forces shot five Indian fighter jets in retaliatory attacks. According to ISPR, the abandoned aircraft included three Rafales, an SU-30MKI and a MIG-29. In addition, Pakistan allegedly destroyed an Indian brigade headquarters, several checkposts and a drone.

Director General Ispr LT Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry confirmed that all Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Jets returned safely after engaging Indian goals. He added that intense shelling continued along the control line, where Pakistani troops were actively aimed at Indian military positions.