A Pakistani minister known for his provocative statements against India has claimed that if Pakistan is attacked by India, the country would have no option but to retaliate with nuclear weapons—adding that these were so ‘small’ and ‘perfect’ they would not kill Indian Muslims.
Speaking to Samaa TV, Pakistan's Railway Minister Sheikh Rasheed said if the country were attacked by India, there would be “no scope” for a conventional war, with only a bloody, final nuclear” war as the outcome.
Boasting of "calculated", “small” and “perfect” nuclear weapons, Rasheed said these could save Muslim lives while only targeting specific regions, adding that Pakistan's range includes Assam.
“Pakistan has no option in convention war, therefore India knows if something will happen it will be the end,” Rasheed said.
Rasheed is the same minister who had spoken earlier of Pakistan having tactical nuclear bombs as small as 125-250 grams.
While a bomb of such low yield is not known to be in Pakistan’s possession, the country has long worked on low-yield ‘tactical’ weapons that could offset India’s traditional military advantage.
After the abogration of Article 370, Rasheed had also predicted a war with India that would take place within 3-6 months.
Rasheed, who had earlier tested positive for COVID-19, has often made headlines for his provocative and alarmist statements. In some cases, his antics on stage made the news—such as when he received an electric shock after speaking about Prime Minister Narendra Modi while giving an address.