Pak Minister Khawaja Asif Stirs Controversy with ‘India Was United Only Under Aurangzeb’ Comment

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has triggered a new controversy with his claim.

That India was “never truly united” except during the reign of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb — a statement that has drawn widespread criticism for its historical inaccuracy and political provocation.

In an interview with Pakistan’s Samaa TV, Asif said, “History shows that India was never one united nation, except briefly under Aurangzeb. Pakistan was created in the name of Allah. At home, we argue and compete. But in a fight with India, we come together.” He also warned that “the chances of war with India are real,” adding that Pakistan would “achieve a better result than before” if conflict broke out.

His remarks came just days after India issued a sharp warning to Islamabad, urging it to stop sponsoring cross-border terrorism or face “losing its geographical presence.”

Asif’s assertions about India’s unity have been widely dismissed as misleading. Historians point out that India was unified under several powerful empires long before Aurangzeb — including the Maurya Empire under Chandragupta and Ashoka, the Gupta dynasty under Samudragupta, and Harshavardhana’s rule over much of northern India. Even during Mughal times, scholars note that Akbar, not Aurangzeb, brought the most political and cultural cohesion to the subcontinent.

Asif, who has a record of making controversial remarks, recently drew ridicule for suggesting that Pakistanis should “store” floodwater in containers to combat flooding — calling it a “blessing.” He was also caught spreading misinformation during Operation Sindoor, when India targeted multiple terror sites. In an interview with CNN, Asif falsely claimed that Pakistani forces had shot down Indian fighter jets, citing “social media” as his source.

His latest comments come amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, with Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi warning that Pakistan must “choose between ending terrorism or risking its own existence.”