India and Pakistan recently came dangerously close to nuclear conflict, posing a severe threat to regional peace. Innocent lives, particularly in Kashmir, have already been lost. The roots of this tension lie in India’s hegemonic aspirations in the subcontinent, which Pakistan continues to resist.

During the latest confrontation, Pakistani forces demonstrated their resolve, leading to India’s acceptance of a US-brokered ceasefire—averting disaster, at least temporarily.

While relative calm now prevails along the Line of Control and the international border, the deep trust deficit remains alarming. This fragile ceasefire could collapse at any moment.

Both countries must pursue a lasting resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. The people of the region must be given the opportunity to freely express their will in line with UN resolutions.

SYED MUZAMMIL HUSSAIN,

Islamabad.