Zionist agenda aims to expand on Pakistani borders, warns Khawaja Asif citing security risks
He said the evolving regional situation could result in a hostile alignment involving Afghanistan, Iran and India, which he described as a development that could encircle Pakistan and place its national security under strain.
Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif has warned that the escalating conflict involving Iran could have far-reaching consequences for Pakistan's national security, alleging that the war is being driven by a "Zionist agenda" aimed at expanding Israeli influence toward Pakistan's borders.
Yesterday (3 March), in a post on X, Asif stated Zionism posed a threat and wrote that conflicts affecting the Islamic world reflected the direct or indirect influence of Zionist ideology and the state of Israel.
He said the evolving regional situation could result in a hostile alignment involving Afghanistan, Iran and India, which he described as a development that could encircle Pakistan and place its national security under strain.
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The minister cautioned that such a realignment could render Pakistan's borders increasingly insecure and risk undermining the country's sovereignty.
Asif called for unity across political and religious divides in Pakistan, urging citizens to recognise what he termed a broader conspiracy against the country.
He also highlighted Pakistan's nuclear deterrent and armed forces, and credited former prime minister Nawaz Sharif for authorising the nuclear tests that declared Pakistan a nuclear power.
Asif concluded his remarks with a message expressing support for Palestine and reaffirming his commitment to Pakistan's security.
The comments come as the broader confrontation in the region intensifies.
US President Donald Trump warned that further attacks on Iran could follow, while senior US officials indicated that operations may continue with the stated objective of degrading Iran's missile capabilities, naval assets and security infrastructure.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said the operation would not turn into an "endless war," according to international media reports.
Israel said it carried out strikes in Beirut targeting Hezbollah-linked sites and senior figures after Hezbollah acknowledged launching missiles and drones toward Israel.
Iranian state media reported additional missile launches targeting Israel, as residents in Tehran and Beirut described explosions.
Several Gulf states, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates, joined the United States in condemning Iranian missile and drone attacks across the region.
Iran's ambassador to the UN nuclear watchdog said the Natanz nuclear facility had been struck in US-Israeli attacks.
Shipping routes in and around the Gulf have faced disruptions, airports across parts of the Middle East have experienced temporary closures, and Iranian nationals have crossed into Turkey amid concerns over further escalation.
The developments have also prompted political debate in the United States, where opinion polls cited in international reports indicate limited public support for a prolonged military campaign.
