A startling remark by former Pakistan High Commissioner to India Abdul Basit has raised eyebrows, after he suggested that Pakistan could target India in the event of a foreign attack, even as tensions remain high in the region.
Speaking during a discussion centred on a hypothetical conflict, 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 comment, though framed as a “worst case scenario”, quickly drew attention for its direct reference to striking major Indian cities.
Basit repeatedly described the situation as unlikely, even calling it “out of the impossibility”, but returned to the same line of argument.
“If someone sees us with a bad eye Pakistan will have no other option than to attack India wherever it wants,” he said. “We don’t want that to happen India doesn’t want that either.”
The remarks, especially the mention of Mumbai and New Delhi, began circulating widely, prompting debate over the implications of such rhetoric.
Basit is not unfamiliar with India. He served as Pakistan’s top diplomat in New Delhi from 2014 to 2017, a period marked by complex ties between the two countries.
His past role has added weight to the reaction, given his direct engagement with India during his tenure.
The comments come against the backdrop of strained ties involving Pakistan, including growing friction with Afghanistan.
Afghan authorities have accused Pakistani forces of carrying out airstrikes in areas such as Kabul, Kandahar and Paktika. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid alleged that civilian locations, including a rehabilitation facility, were hit.
Reports have pointed to significant casualties and damage, though independent confirmation remains limited.
For many observers, what began as a speculative scenario has fed into a broader conversation around regional security and the language used by former officials.
At a time when geopolitical tensions remain elevated, even hypothetical remarks have drawn attention for their potential impact.
There has been no official response from Indian authorities so far, but the comment has already sparked discussion across platforms.
