The recent incident in Pahalgam, nearly 300 kilometers inside the Indian border, raises troubling questions about security in one of the most militarized zones in the world, illegally occupied Indian Jammu and Kashmir. Despite the deployment of approximately 700,000 Indian troops, the breach went uninvestigated. This silence is not just concerning; it reflects an alarming lack of accountability in a region already under prolonged distress.

Pakistan, acting as a responsible state, offered to support an independent investigation under the supervision of the United Nations to ascertain the facts. India, however, rejected this proposal outright. Instead of pursuing transparency or addressing the internal lapse, it opted for escalation, launching attacks on various civilian areas inside Pakistan.

These were not precision strikes against so-called “terrorist camps”, a narrative pushed aggressively by Indian media. In reality, these strikes targeted civilian populations, leading to the tragic martyrdom of ordinary Pakistanis, including women and children. The Indian government’s campaign of misinformation was further amplified by a media ecosystem that has become increasingly detached from journalistic responsibility.

Pakistan demonstrated extraordinary restraint in the face of repeated provocation. But after three consecutive days of unprovoked aggression, our armed forces were left with no option but to respond. The retaliatory action, lasting four hours, was swift, measured, and effective, underscoring Pakistan’s resolve and preparedness.

It was only after this clear response that Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached out to the United States, seeking its intervention for a ceasefire. This sudden pivot highlights the depth of miscalculation by the Indian leadership, which seemed to underestimate both Pakistan’s capacity and its commitment to defending its sovereignty.

Equally troubling is the current state of media freedom in India. Independent voices, including veteran journalist Karan Thapar, are now marginalized or branded as threats. Freedom of expression, once a pillar of Indian democracy has been systematically eroded.

During the recent escalation, Indian media irresponsibly circulated false claims: that Karachi had been destroyed, that Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff had been arrested, and other wildly fabricated stories. Each of these falsehoods was debunked within hours, but not before they served their purpose stoking fear and inflaming nationalist sentiment.

Notably, during this entire episode, India failed to gain explicit support from any major international actor. The absence of global endorsement speaks volumes. It is increasingly clear that the world is growing wary of militaristic adventurism and media-fueled jingoism.

Looking ahead, the Modi government faces mounting internal and external challenges. Propaganda may serve short-term political goals, but it cannot mask strategic failures or the erosion of democratic institutions. Eventually, the Indian people who have long valued peace, dialogue, and democracy will recognize the cost of this belligerent approach.

Leadership in the region must understand that peace is the only viable path forward. Our true enemy is not each other, but poverty, underdevelopment, and inequality. Our shared objective must be the prosperity and well-being of every nation in South Asia. Only through mutual respect, cooperation, and dialogue can we ensure a stable and thriving future for the region.

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