At a time when tensions between India and Pakistan are once again reaching dangerous levels, sober reflection and responsible diplomacy are urgently needed. The recent rhetoric emanating from New Delhi — coupled with provocative military movements — is fanning the flames of hostility across the subcontinent. In response, Pakistan has issued warnings of a possible Indian provocation, with officials such as Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and the federal information minister pointing to signs of an imminent escalation. These concerns cannot be dismissed lightly, especially in light of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s reported instructions granting “operational freedom” to the military.
The situation has deteriorated rapidly following the tragic incident in Pahalgam. Despite no credible evidence linking Pakistan to the attack, India has ramped up accusations and aggressive posturing. There has been cross-border firing along the Line of Control (LoC), the downing of two Indian drones in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and reports of Indian warplanes patrolling near the border. These developments are perilously reminiscent of past episodes where miscalculation nearly led to catastrophe between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.
New Delhi’s attempt to use the Pahalgam incident as a pretext for confrontation is deeply troubling. If India possesses solid evidence, it must present it through diplomatic channels and allow international scrutiny. Refusing to engage transparently only undermines India’s credibility. If it is confident in its claims, New Delhi should welcome a neutral, third-party investigation into the tragedy.
Manufacturing a crisis to achieve domestic political ends or regional leverage is a reckless gambit. The consequences of even a limited military exchange between India and Pakistan are too grave to contemplate. This is not just a bilateral issue — it is a matter of regional and global concern. The United Nations, along with influential actors such as the US, Russia, and Gulf nations, must play an active role in defusing tensions.
Ultimately, war has never and will never resolve the core issues that plague Indo-Pak relations. If there is to be lasting peace, it must involve a frank and comprehensive dialogue — including the longstanding Kashmir dispute. The path to peace lies not through aggression but through diplomacy, restraint, and mutual respect. The time to act is now, before the window for peaceful resolution closes altogether.
