Pakistan could not have been clearer. True to its words, the country demonstrated the restraint it pledged and response it vowed to deliver if provoked. However, the same was not mirrored across the border. Despite the cowardly targeting of civilians by Indian forces under cover of darkness in multiple cities of Azad Kashmir and Punjab, Pakistan’s civil leadership and military officials have again warned New Delhi against further escalations, cautioning that such adventurism could stir up a full-scale war.
After finding no evidence whatsoever that could link Pakistan to the unfortunate April 22 Pahalgam attack on tourists, New Delhi appears to be resorting to desperate moves to sell a fabricated narrative to not just its supporters but also to the world. After being turned down by even its allies, the Modi government ignored calls for setting up an international commission to investigate the attack and decided to ‘avenge’ the victims.
Resultantly, in a reckless move, more than 70 Indian jets – including French-made Rafale jets – reportedly attempted to break into Pakistan’s airspace on Wednesday and targeted multiple locations in Azad Kashmir and Punjab, hitting residential buildings and mosques. Women and children were among the 31 civilians who lost their lives in this act of terrorism. The way India trampled relevant international law, humanitarian norms, and Geneva Conventions under its boots is deeply deplorable.
The Pakistan Air Force promptly responded to the aggression and lit up the night sky with resolve, shooting down five of the warplanes, including Rafale jets, the myth of Indian air supremacy. The so-called air operation, ironically dubbed ‘Sindoor’, was soon turned into a stain of shame. According to the military’s media wing, two Indian drones were also downed. The security forces also targeted military positions in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, but unlike the aggressors, they ensured no civilian casualty.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s address to the National Assembly and later to the nation was also less of a speech and more of a powerful, impactful statement. Calling New Delhi’s adventurism a grave mistake, he vowed “definite consequences” for the unwarranted attack on Pakistan’s sovereignty. At the same time, his call for unity among political ranks is a positive development.
The country has made it clear time and again that it does not want war, but has the right to defend its territory and sovereignty. The world must choose between stepping in to rein in the arsonist and standing back to watch the fire spread
Earlier, the National Security Committee gave the military complete freedom not just to defend the country but also to undertake corresponding actions. This should serve as a wake-up call for India to shun its aggressive attitude, stop ignoring the obvious, and get the allegations investigated. It might choose to be blinded by hatred and deaf to the warnings, but that will only get it muted on a whole lot of levels.
India did not just cross the Line of Control but the line of decency. Those watching silently from the sidelines must note that Pakistan has made its case with facts, defended its skies with valor, and buried its dead with dignity. The country has made it clear time and again that it does not want war, but has the right to defend its territory and sovereignty. The world must choose between stepping in to rein in the arsonist and standing back to watch the fire spread. But if silence continues to be the only response, the watchers will not only be considered spectators but also complicit.
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