From Peace to Provocation: The Pahalgam Wake-Up Call

For several years, the period of peace had made it seem as though the time of hostility and suspicion was behind us, and our journey along the path of hope would continue undisturbed. But the incident in Pahalgam not only jolted us awake but also pushed us into a realm of outrage and apprehension. We not only expressed this anger effectively but also gave a strong response to those who had shaken us and disproved all apprehensions.

To Strike or Not: The War We Chose Not to Fight

The Pahalgam incident escalated to the brink of a full-scale war. Had we wanted, we could have launched a total, destructive, and decisive war to provide the enemy with a permanent solution once and for all. But we did not do so—and that decision is now being questioned.

India's Historical Resolve: A Nation Without Expansionist Desires

The answer to those questions lies within our own history. Our land has seen the rise of mighty emperors and glorious dynasties, yet none of them ever invaded another country or expanded their empire beyond India. India’s borders have always remained where they were since ancient times. Whether it was the Mauryan Empire, the Gupta Empire, Emperor Ashoka, or the Vijayanagara Empire—all stayed within India’s bounds, though their influence may have spread far and wide. Even after the conquest of Lanka, it remained a separate entity.

Rather than expanding, the boundaries of undivided India have shrunk—due to unjust and artificial divisions. Yet, we have respected those demarcations too.

India’s Military Glory and Restraint

In modern times, India has faced multiple attacks and fought many wars—and in each, we have proved our superiority. We are the kind of householder who has only raised arms to defend our home. We have never cast an eye on someone else’s house, nor tried to enter it. It’s not that we didn’t get the chance—we did, in every war. Our forces reached from Lahore to Dhaka. Yet we did not claim even an inch beyond our own borders. In fact, we returned what we had won. We forgave. That is our greatness.

1971: A War of Decisive Power, Not Greed

In the 1971 war, we could have expanded far if we wished. With 93,000 prisoners of war, we could have bargained for anything. We could have done far more than simply control the ‘chicken neck’ of the northeast, over which Bangladesh now threatens us—we could have caged the entire chicken.

But we did none of that. Not because we were weak, but because of our generosity and greatness. We are happy within our own limits, inside the walls of our own home. And yet, that happiness is frequently shattered. Our patience is tested. We are compelled to respond. It seems that those who disrupt our peace devote all their energy to such acts.

No Illusions: The Continuity of Threats

We have responded effectively to the current crisis. But we must not mistake this for lasting peace. Those whose entire politics, energy, and focus are aimed at disturbing us, hindering our progress, and halting our development—they will continue doing so. Expecting change from them is futile.

Pakistan’s Reality: A Nation Ruled by Its Army

Pakistan claims to be a democratic country, but it is widely known that this artificial democracy is run by the extremist generals of its army. This is not a country with an army; it is a country ruled by a religiously fanatic army. As long as this remains the case, there should be no expectation of change.

Transformation Through Strength

We cannot change our neighbors. They will remain as they are. It is we who must change. This transformation must come through strength. Today, the dominance of superpowers stems primarily from the strength of their economies. We must attain that same strength if we are to be leaders and form our own strategic bloc.

True Friends, Real Enemies

This crisis has also shown us who our true friends and enemies are. It is now clear that in today’s world, genuine friends are few, and opportunists are many. Wars—regardless of their nature—are never fought or won depending on others. History has proven this again and again. Every country must fight its own battles, with its own strength. Only if we are united and strong in every way can we truly fight. This is an essential lesson we must learn. We must always be prepared.

War Is Not a Festival

Another thing to learn is that war is not a cause for celebration. We have seen many wars. We understand the horror and destruction of war. That is why we do not celebrate war. But we witnessed how, despite suffering defeat, the deluded citizens of a deluded nation celebrated. What should we call this—madness, foolishness, or fanaticism? What sort of blindfold have they tied over their eyes? How can war, violence, and death ever be matters of celebration? Just look at the countries that have lost countless innocent lives.

The Final Message: Strength With Peace

We have always protected our home and will continue to do so. We have no desire or need to burn down anyone else’s home. We have sent the message we needed to send—to our enemy, to their backers, and to the so-called global powers. Not only should we hope, but we should also pray that our message is understood.

(The author is a journalist.)