'We'll hit Mumbai, Delhi...' Pak ex-diplomat warns US

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): A statement by former Pakistani High Commissioner to India, Abdul Basit, has sparked a new debate about regional security. During a discussion, Basit cited a hypothetical scenario in which Indian cities could be targeted in retaliation if Pakistan were attacked by any country—specifically the United States.

Although Basit called this situation "impossible," he repeatedly returned to the issue during the conversation, saying that if Pakistan feels threatened, it has limited options for retaliation. He also made it clear that neither Pakistan nor India currently desires such a situation. He said that if anyone looks at us with an evil eye, Pakistan will have no choice but to attack India.

It's worth noting that Abdul Basit is no stranger to India. He served as Pakistan's High Commissioner to New Delhi from 2014 to 2017. This was a period when relations between the two countries were particularly strained, giving his recent statement added significance.

Meanwhile, other signs of regional tensions have emerged. Afghan officials have accused the Pakistani military of carrying out airstrikes in areas like Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktika. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claimed that the attacks targeted civilian targets, including a rehabilitation center.

Experts believe that while this statement may be part of a hypothetical discussion, such comments raise serious questions about regional security amid current geopolitical tensions. While there has been no official response from the Indian government on this issue, debate has intensified at various levels.