Urges Muslim community to recognise that its ‘true enemy’ is India in South Asia and Israel in Gulf
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif speaking at the National Assembly session on Tuesday, January 20, 2026. PHOTO: Facebook/ National Assembly of Pakistan
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif expressed hope for the success of the US-Iran two-week ceasefire on Wednesday, urging the Muslim world to protect these gains and remain vigilant against threats to peace in the region.
Earlier today, the prime minister announced that Iran and the US, along with their allies, had agreed to an immediate ceasefire “everywhere, including Lebanon”, effective immediately. The prime minister invited delegations from both nations to Islamabad on April 10 to negotiate a conclusive settlement.
Read more: World leaders praise Pakistan after US‑Iran ceasefire
US President Donald Trump endorsed the two-week truce shortly before a self-imposed deadline for Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Posting on Truth Social, he described it as “a big day for world peace” and signalled US support for stabilising the region, including ensuring safe passage through the strategic waterway.
Speaking in the National Assembly on the matter, the defence minister said: “May we succeed in establishing peace and reconciliation, but the Muslim Ummah must remain vigilant to protect these gains and stay watchful against threats to peace.”
He emphasised Pakistan’s significant role in fostering peace in the region, highlighting the country’s efforts in facilitating dialogue between the nations on both sides of the Persian Gulf.
“As brothers on both sides of the Gulf, we are playing a role in promoting peace,” Asif said, adding that Islam also advocated for peace and reconciliation. He further stated that the current achievements had provided the country with a new identity on the global stage.
Read More: US, Iran agree to two-week ceasefire with reopening of Strait of Hormuz
The defence minister also cautioned against Israel’s growing influence globally, stating, “The Israeli influence has spread across Europe, the United States, and the Arab world, and Pakistan now has a significant opportunity to take on a leadership role in opposing it.”
Asif reiterated Pakistan’s readiness to play a leading role in the Muslim world and urged the Muslim world to recognise that its”true and eternal enemy” was India in South Asia and Israel in the Gulf.
He mentioned that in Pakistan’s 75-year history, there had perhaps never been a moment of such joy and pride. “Last year, we won a war against our eternal enemy, and Pakistan’s stature on the international stage has grown significantly.”
He added that Pakistan was being praised across the world, from European nations to Muslim countries, our region, and our allies. “This moment of pride and respect is unprecedented in our 78-year history,” he said.
