Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has once again sparked a political storm with his controversial statement on India’s history. In a recent interview, he claimed that India was “never truly united” except under Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, a comment that has drawn sharp criticism for being historically inaccurate and provocative amid rising tensions between the two nations.
🗣️ Asif’s Statement on India’s History
Speaking to Samaa TV, Khawaja Asif asserted that India’s unity existed only during Aurangzeb’s rule, suggesting that Pakistan “comes together” when facing India.
“History shows that India was never one united nation, except briefly under Aurangzeb. Pakistan was created in the name of Allah. At home, we argue and compete, but in a fight with India, we come together,” he said.
However, historical records contradict his claim.
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The Maurya Empire (322–185 BCE) unified most of the Indian subcontinent long before Mughal rule.
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Rulers like Samudragupta and Harshavardhana also brought vast regions under a single administration.
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Even under the Mughal Empire, Aurangzeb’s rule was marked by wars and rebellions, unlike Akbar’s era, which saw stability and consolidation.
⚔️ ‘Chances of War With India Are Real’
Asif didn’t stop at historical claims. He also warned that the possibility of war with India is real, saying he does not want escalation but is “not denying the risks.”
“If it comes to war, God willing, we will achieve a better result than before,” Asif stated.
His remarks came days after India’s stern warning to Pakistan to stop supporting terrorism or face the risk of “losing its geographical presence.”
Last week, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi said India is “fully prepared” to respond firmly, vowing not to repeat the restraint shown during Operation Sindoor 1.0.
“This time, the action will be such that Pakistan will have to think whether it wants to exist geographically,” he warned.
🌍 Historical Context vs Political Narrative
While Asif’s statement attempts to invoke historical narratives, India has remained a stable and unified democracy for over 75 years since independence — unlike Pakistan, which has witnessed multiple military coups, political instability, and territorial fragmentation.
Historians have pointed out that India’s political unity has existed under various empires well before the Mughals, making Asif’s comment factually baseless.
🤥 Khawaja Asif’s History of Controversial Remarks
This is not the first time Khawaja Asif has made embarrassing or bizarre statements:
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In September, he suggested storing floodwater in containers as a “solution” for Pakistan’s devastating floods, calling the situation a “blessing.”
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During Operation Sindoor, he spread misinformation on CNN, falsely claiming Pakistan shot down Indian fighter jets. When asked for proof, he cited “social media” as his source — prompting the anchor to correct him on air.
