Ali Anwar
In world politics, power, defense, and sovereignty have always held primary importance. South Asia is particularly sensitive in this regard because two nuclear powers, Pakistan and India, stand opposite each other. The history of relations between the two countries is full of tension, mistrust, and wars. Yet amid all this, Pakistan’s stance has always been defensive, peace-seeking, and responsible.
Since the start of 2025, extremism has again become dominant on India’s political scene. Recent statements by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh have put the region’s peace at risk. Modi’s remark that “we are fully prepared to teach Pakistan a lesson” reflects the narrative of Indian extremism that manufactures an external enemy to cover up internal failures.
Similarly, Rajnath Singh claimed at an election rally that “if Pakistan does not change its policy, India will teach it a lesson again.” These statements are not only irresponsible but also a clear violation of international law and the United Nations Charter. The Modi government is using anti-Pakistan sentiment as a political tool to erase the humiliation it suffered in the May 2025 conflict. Pakistan has always responded with patience, restraint, and in accordance with international norms. Islamabad’s policy has been that the desire for peace should not be mistaken for weakness. Both the Pakistani government and the military have made it clear that Pakistan will not initiate aggression, but will go to any lengths to defend its sovereignty.
The Foreign Minister and the Foreign Office spokesman have repeatedly warned that India’s provocative statements are dangerous for regional peace. Pakistan’s leadership has appealed to the international community to curb the Modi government’s warlike mania and prevent South Asia from sliding toward another major catastrophe.
When India launched aggression in May 2025, Pakistan gave it a crushing response. The Pakistan Air Force, demonstrating extreme professionalism, shot down India’s warplanes in a timely manner. The three-day Pakistan-India war of May 2025 proved that Pakistan’s air force is not only alert but capable of thwarting any Indian adventurism within moments. International media hailed the operation as a splendid example of Pakistan’s military skill and timely decision-making.
The Indian government denied that its Rafale aircraft had been downed, but once satellite images and evidence from independent sources emerged, the truth came to light. This incident seriously damaged the Indian narrative and humiliated the Modi government on the world stage.
The professional discipline, strength, and national spirit with which Pakistan’s armed forces are defending the country today are undoubtedly the result of General Asim Munir’s leadership. Upon taking office, General Asim Munir made it clear that protecting Pakistan’s borders is his top priority. He has repeatedly said, “Defending Pakistan is part of our faith; we will not allow the enemy to succeed at any level.”
Under General Asim Munir, not only were military reforms implemented, but national unity and civil-military relations also improved. Under his leadership, Pakistan’s military aligned its defensive preparations with modern requirements. Significant progress was made in artificial intelligence, drone technology, cyber warfare, and advanced air defense systems. Military analysts worldwide have described the Pakistani armed forces as a “regional deterrent force” that plays a key role in protecting not only its own country but also regional peace. Many global powers – including the United States, China, Turkey, and Gulf countries – acknowledge Pakistan’s military capabilities.
After thwarting India’s May 2025 aggression, Pakistan performed excellently on the diplomatic front at the United Nations and the Security Council. Pakistani representatives presented evidence of Indian aggression and told the international community that India was risking the peace of the entire region for its domestic political gain. China, Turkey, Iran, and several European countries supported Pakistan’s position. Some Western think tanks even wrote in their reports that India’s aggressive policy is dangerously accelerating an arms race in South Asia.
Pakistan’s strength lies not only in its military but also in the unity of its people. In the toughest times, the Pakistani nation has always stood with its defense institutions, proving that the country will not break under pressure. Despite recent years’ wars against terrorism, floods, and political crises, Pakistan’s armed forces have made notable contributions to public service, relief operations, and reconstruction. This has further strengthened the bond of trust between the nation and the military.
India itself is suffering from a severe internal crisis. The Modi government’s policies have made life difficult for religious minorities in India – particularly Muslims, Sikhs, and Christians. Farmer protests, human rights violations in occupied Kashmir, and increasing poverty have divided Indian society. In this context, war rhetoric against Pakistan is actually a political tactic by the Indian government. But history testifies that Pakistan has, on every occasion, defeated India’s conspiracies with patience, restraint, and wisdom.
The writer is an old Aitchisonian who believes in freedom of expression, a freelance columnist, entrepreneur and social activist.
