A controversial statement by Abdul Basit has triggered widespread debate, after he suggested that Pakistan could target major Indian cities in a hypothetical conflict scenario.
Speaking during a discussion, Basit said, “If America attacks Pakistan we have to attack India, Mumbai, New Delhi, without a second thought. We won’t leave it we’ll see what happens later.”
The remark, though described as a “worst case scenario,” has drawn sharp attention due to its direct reference to cities like Mumbai and New Delhi.
“Hypothetical But Repeated” Statement Raises Concerns
Basit attempted to downplay the situation by calling such a scenario unlikely and even “out of the impossibility.” However, he reiterated his position during the discussion.
“If someone sees us with a bad eye Pakistan will have no other option than to attack India wherever it wants,” he said, while also adding that neither India nor Pakistan wants such a situation.
Despite the clarification, the repeated nature of the statement has fueled concerns and debate.
Past Role Adds Weight To Remarks
Basit’s comments have gained more traction due to his past diplomatic role. He served as Pakistan’s top envoy in New Delhi from 2014 to 2017, a period marked by tense India-Pakistan relations.
His direct involvement in bilateral ties has made the remarks more significant in the current geopolitical climate.
Tensions Already High In The Region
The statement comes at a time when regional tensions are already elevated. Pakistan is facing increasing friction with Afghanistan, with allegations of airstrikes in areas like Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktika.
Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid has claimed that civilian locations, including a rehabilitation facility, were hit, leading to casualties. However, independent confirmation of these claims remains limited.
No Official Response From India Yet
So far, there has been no official response from Indian authorities regarding Basit’s remarks. However, the comments have gone viral and sparked discussions across multiple platforms.
With geopolitical tensions already sensitive, even hypothetical statements by former officials are now being closely watched for their potential impact on regional stability.
