As tensions between India and Pakistan continue to heighten after the September 18 Uri terror attacks, the Pakistani Defence Minister has, for the second time, threatened to unleash ‘tactical weapons’ against India.

Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif made these remarks in an interview to Pakistani TV Channel SAAMA on Wednesday. In a possible reference to nuclear weaponry, he said, “Tactical weapons, our programmes that we have developed, they have been developed for our protection. We haven't kept the devices that we have just as showpieces. But if our safety is threatened, we will annihilate them.”

Asif had made a similar statement just the day after the horrific terror attack by four heavily armed terrorists which claimed the life of 18 Indian soldiers.

In an interview with another Pakistani TV channel Geo News, Asif said, “If Pakistan’s security is threatened, we will not hesitate in using tactical (nuclear) weapons.” He also claimed that Pakistan was ahead of India in terms of nuclear capabilities.  

Since, the Uri attacks, India has attempted to isolate Pakistan diplomatically on multiple fronts including the UN and SAARC.    

However, Pakistan has denied any involvement in the attacks despite objects being recovered from the terrorists with Pakistani markings.