ISLAMABAD: Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif on Thursday responding to the Indian army chief's statements earlier this week, said that Pakistan is ready for a small scale or prolonged war if Indian leadership proceeded with the same, Radio Pakistan reported.

Asif said that Pakistan is a firm believer of peace in the region and world at large, but was fully prepared to respond 'befittingly' if provoked.

"Our forces crushed the Indian dreams of occupying Lahore back in 1965 and will do the same in future," the defence minister said.

He said that Pakistani forces have been fighting a war against terror on their own soil and are ready to deal with any external enemy, if the need arises.

Read: India is the only external threat, says military

Asif claimed that the country’s political leadership ─ including the prime minister ─ would not hesitate to offer any sacrifice for the defence of Pakistan if the two countries were to lock horns.

Indian Army Chief Gen Dalbir Singh on Tuesday had said that India is prepared to face offensive military action on its borders should the need arise, and that any future conflict was expected to be short and swift.

Indian newspaper The Hindu had quoted him as referring to the ceasefire violations along the borders in Jammu and Kashmir, which have put relations between India and Pakistan under strain.

Also read: Indian army chief says military ready for short, swift war