Throughout the recent conflict and heightened tensions, the Indian government displayed belligerence, while the Indian media acted with remarkable irresponsibility. In stark contrast, the Pakistani government and media maintained a high degree of restraint and maturity.
Neither the Prime Minister nor the Army Chief of Pakistan issued provocative or jingoistic statements. Instead, Pakistan’s proactive diplomacy urged global powers to restrain India from taking any rash action that would be met with a decisive response. Pakistan followed through with firm yet measured action, targeting locations inside Indian territory. Our long-standing allies—China, Turkey, Iran, and others—extended moral support.
Meanwhile, the unreliable “friend”, the United States, did not take immediate action to de-escalate the situation, stating only that “India has the right to self-defence” while urging both sides to show restraint.
Credit must be given to Pakistan’s civil and military leadership for handling the situation responsibly and avoiding major escalation.
One hopes India has learnt a bitter lesson—that aggression leads only to disgrace, as history has shown in Napoleon’s defeat by Russia, the US’s humiliating exits from Vietnam and Afghanistan, and now in India’s misadventures. India must abandon its delusional policy of treating any terrorist attack on its soil as an act of war. If India falsely blames Pakistan without credible evidence, peace will always remain elusive.
Even if some rogue elements are involved, that does not imply state involvement. Evidence should be shared, and both nations should collaborate to act against such elements. If India insists on attacking Pakistan in retaliation for any future incident, Pakistan would be equally justified in striking back in case of Indian-supported terrorism on Pakistani soil.
Pakistan sends a clear message of peace: bury the hatchet, live as responsible neighbours, jointly combat terrorism, resolve disputes through dialogue, and work for the uplift of millions suffering in poverty.
GULSHER PANHWER,
Johi.
