In recent statements, Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif accused India of engaging in a “proxy war” against Pakistan, alleging that India seeks to destabilize its western neighbor while maintaining pressure on the eastern front. He cited the recent ceasefire agreement between Pakistan and Afghanistan as a backdrop for his claims, suggesting India’s actions, particularly following the May 2025 conflict, are aimed at keeping Pakistan strategically occupied. India asserts its military operations, including Operation Sindoor, are legitimate counterterrorism initiatives aimed at ensuring regional stability. This rhetoric underscores Pakistan’s persistent narrative of externalizing security challenges onto India, complicating the already tense dynamics in South Asia, where mutual mistrust continues to hinder lasting peace efforts.