M. Ishaq Durrani
India is gradually taking on the characteristics of a fascist state. This is the reason why, even after 78 years, Pakistan’s independence and its separation from India could not be accepted. As the majority, Hindus believed that after the British left, Hindus would rule the subcontinent, and like other nations, Muslims would spend their entire lives in the slavery of Hindus. But ALLAH Almighty had planned otherwise, and their dream was shattered at that time. Due to the hard work of Allama Iqbal and Quaid-e-Azam, the Muslim-majority areas declared the creation of a separate state (Pakistan). Thus, Pakistan came into existence on 14 August 1947.
From the very beginning, Pakistan faced numerous challenges. But by the grace of ALLAH Almighty, the state of Pakistan bravely and foresightedly faced all these challenges. Over time, India attacked Pakistan’s integrity several times, but each time, they were met with defeat. Especially in the present era, the terrorist organizations in Balochistan receive full financial and military support from the Indian intelligence agency. However, in the interest of establishing peace in the region, Pakistan did not openly accuse India. Seeing this desire for peace as Pakistan’s weakness, India violated international laws on numerous occasions. India seeks to establish its supremacy worldwide, especially in Asia, and this ambition has caused considerable damage to its own integrity.
Now, let’s discuss the Pahalgam incident. Pahalgam is a beautiful and scenic area in Kashmir, frequently visited by both national and international tourists. On April 22, 2025, tourists were attacked by unknown armed men, resulting in the deaths of about 28 people and leaving many others injured. As soon as the incident occurred, India blamed Pakistan without any investigation. Modi and his media made numerous accusations against Pakistan.
Pakistan denied any involvement in the Pahalgam incident on the international stage. Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto assured full cooperation for a transparent investigation, but Modi ignored all appeals and recalled his diplomats from Pakistan. He suspended all political and diplomatic relations with Pakistan. On May 7, late at night, India attacked Pakistan in an operation called “Operation Sindoor.”
Indian media played a significant role in this entire situation. In fact, Modi also needed the sympathy of the public for the upcoming elections. Hence, both the Indian government and media were in sync throughout this matter.
Modi was very proud of his army and military equipment, especially the Rafale fighter jets purchased from France, which were considered India’s trump card. On May 7, India launched “Operation Sindoor” and carried out drone attacks on several locations in Pakistan. A mosque and a madrassa in Bahawalpur were targeted, and many innocent children and women were martyred. India celebrated the deaths of these children in the media, calling it a “successful operation.”
Pakistan’s DG ISPR, in a press conference, declared that Pakistan would respond to this cowardly attack. “Now, wait for our response,” were the words that would be etched in golden letters in Pakistan’s history. He emphasized that India started the war, and Pakistan would end it. After consultations, Pakistan’s political and military leadership, through ISPR, decided to launch a counter-attack, naming the operation “Banyan Al-Marsoos” (Lead-Lined Wall), based on a composition in the Holy Quran. The operation was set to begin at Subh Sadiq.
Operation Banyan Al-Marsoos was launched on May 10 in the early morning with Fateh-1 ballistic missiles and drones. Pakistan targeted several Indian aircraft. The highlight of this operation was the Pakistani Falcons, who entered Indian airspace and attacked several of its vital defense systems. The Pakistani Shaheen squadron targeted the S-400 Indian defense system, completely destroying it in just two minutes. In this brief war, several important Indian aircraft including Rafale were also shot down.
In addition to these, many significant places in India were targeted by Pakistan. India was now in mourning. Pakistan had done what it said it would do. Modi sought the help of US President Trump to mediate and convince Pakistan to ceasefire. Although a ceasefire was eventually reached, this brief war changed the map of South Asia.
India was defeated in this short conflict, but France also had its share of embarrassment. The Rafale jets, supplied by France, failed completely in this operation. Within a week, shares of the French-made Rafale dropped by almost 9%. In contrast, China’s Thunder jet was lauded worldwide. While Pakistan’s JF-17 Thunder Lions proved their skill and excellence, the JF-17, manufactured by a Chinese company, gained global recognition.
This short war earned Pakistan immense respect at the international level. The world appreciated Pakistan’s defense system, and especially, Islamic countries praised the political and military leadership of Pakistan and their coordination. Countries such as Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Iran invited Pakistan’s leadership and honored them.
Based on this success, Pakistan’s Army Chief, Asim Munir, was commended for his capabilities and combat skills and was promoted to the rank of Field Marshal of Pakistan.
This brief war had far-reaching consequences. Before the conflict, India had the psychological upper hand over Pakistan. India had entered the list of developed countries and had gained a prominent economic position on the world stage. But as the saying goes, “Pride comes before a fall,” and this pride led to the undoing of India’s ambitions.
Indian media, once full of praises for Modi, now started criticizing him. On the diplomatic front, India faced humiliation. Major Indian politicians and opposition parties openly criticized the anti-Pakistan policies of the current Indian government. Some even expressed admiration for Pakistan’s strategy. Additionally, the anti-army narrative within Pakistan has ended, as all political parties, stakeholders, and religious groups have united in supporting the Pakistan Army. Political leaders have expressed full confidence in Pakistan’s political and military leadership without any discrimination.
The Prime Minister visited various military headquarters to encourage and congratulate them on this great achievement. Additionally, the Prime Minister formed a committee led by Bilawal Bhutto to visit various countries and promote Pakistan’s peaceful narrative worldwide. Bilawal Bhutto presented Pakistan’s position in the best possible manner on the global political stage. Pakistan’s excellent strategy and trust in Allah made the country a symbol of pride on the world stage. This war also strengthened Pakistan’s economy. The confidence of global stakeholders in Pakistan increased, and businessmen from different countries visited Pakistan, creating more investment opportunities.
Insha Allah, as patriotic Pakistanis, we hope that this country will continue to progress. We look forward to future generations lighting the way for this country, nation, and state.
The author is affiliated with the teaching profession in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
