Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated sharply again. Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif directly threatened to target Calcutta in case of any future military confrontation with India. It’s a statement that has created a strong response across India.
In an interview with journalists in Sialkot on 4 Khawaja Asif delivered his most striking territorial threat yet. “If India tries to carry out any false flag operation this time, then God willing we will at least reach Calcutta with certainty (Kalkatte tak to jaake awanga),” he said.
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The statement sent shockwaves through political and security circles in India. Kolkata, India’s closest metropolitan city to Bangladesh, was directly named as a potential target.
Asif also alleged that India could be planning a false flag operation involving local actors or persons in custody.
“India is planning some kind of false flag operation through its own men or through Pakistani prisoners, where they will put the bodies somewhere and claim that it was terrorists who did this and that,” the Pakistani minister said.
Khawaja Asif apparently hinted at an attack on Pahalgam in April 2025. He apparently claimed that the terror attack was “staged” by India.
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“Even a year ago, similar incidents were seen that raised questions not only around the world but also among their own people,” the Pakistani minister said.
“If there is any attempt to stage such a drama this time too, then, God willing, we have the ability to respond to it,” he added, referring to a possible attack in the Bengal capital.
The remarks were in direct response to a strong warning issued by Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh. Addressing the Sainik Samman Sammelan in Kerala on 2 April, Singh warned that “the evolving geopolitical situation could tempt a neighbor to seize the moment”.
He asserted that India is fully prepared to face such a move. No naming Pakistan specifically said, “Our neighbor may attempt mischief under the current circumstances. If that happens, India’s response will be firm and decisive.”
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Singh also strongly recalled Operation Sindoor, the Indian military campaign launched in May 2025 in retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives. He stated that Operation Sindoor was “not over yet”. He indicated that further steps remain on the table if cross-border hostilities continue.
Socla media reaction
Social media users in India reacted strongly to the threat.
“First give proper food to your people. These politicians and generals are giving empty threats. People of Pakistan should start a revolt against these army generals and save their country from future disasters. For decades the people of Pakistan have been deceived by the generals,” wrote one.
“Can Pakistan survive without lying for a day?” another user wondered.
Some of them were used Dhurandhar memes to respond to a threat.
Another user commented: “They seem to have forgotten 1971; it was through Calcutta that Dhaka was liberated. Using a ‘false flag’ as an excuse does not cover up their strategic failure.”
“So they didn’t go to Calcutta when it was on their border in 1971 but they will now,” another user quipped.
“Bengalis catch the bullets and use them to cook fish curry,” joked another.
