Former Pakistani diplomat Abdul Basit dropped a bombshell during a prime-time TV debate, claiming Pakistan would unleash attacks on Indian metros if the United States ever dared assault its nuclear infrastructure. Speaking on ABN News, the ex-India High Commissioner didn’t mince words in this outlandish hypothetical.
The conversation pivoted to worst-case scenarios: turmoil in Iran allowing Israeli proximity, coupled with American threats to Pakistan’s atomic arsenal. ‘It’s unthinkable,’ Basit began, ‘but if America attacks us—beyond our missile range—we have no choice.’
Unable to hit US soil or key outposts, Pakistan’s response, per Basit, would pivot to its perennial rival. ‘We go for India,’ he declared. ‘Bomb Mumbai, Delhi—wherever necessary. Consequences be damned; we defend ourselves.’
He qualified the statement as a demonstration of resolve, emphasizing Pakistan’s unmatched deterrence. ‘The world must know: we won’t retreat without a fight,’ he added, while expressing hope for peaceful ties with India.
Experts are dissecting this as typical saber-rattling from a retired official seeking relevance, yet it underscores the fragility of South Asian security. With both nations possessing nuclear triads, loose talk like this could spiral into real danger, prompting calls for de-escalation from global powers.