Indo-Pak Tussle and the Ideological Reconstruction

The conflicting religious ideologies, geographical asymmetry, socio-cultural differences, entangling alliances and the rivalry on several fronts; Indo-Pak relations have always been characterized by hostility and tension. However, in the last couple of days, the relations have peaked another height of antagonism in the wake of Indian aggression and the befitting response from Pakistan. Ever since the retaliation from PAF, advancements have been made especially by Pakistan to work for regional peace and stability yet peaceful coexistence and regional harmony still seem to be a distant reality.

The latest episode of Indo-Pak tussle can be traced back to 14^th February, when 40 Indian paramilitary soldiers were killed in a suicide attack in the Pulwama district of Indian-occupied Kashmir. India put the blame on Pakistan whereas Pakistan vehemently denied any such participation in the Pulwama Incident. Later on 26^th February, aircrafts of IAF violated the Line of Control and entered the territory of Pakistan, an act which was later claimed by India to be a strike against the terrorist network of Jaish-e-Mohammed. However, the timely response of PAF resulted in the hurried withdrawal of the aircrafts, coupled with the hasty release of payload. In response to Indian aggression, both the leadership of Pakistani Armed Forces and the Prime Minister of Pakistan made it clear that Pakistan would not tolerate any act of sabotaging its territorial integrity and would not hesitate in taking steps for ensuring its sovereignty. On the other hand, Indian media and the political leadership celebrated it as some kind of ‘victory’ and made false claims that the action of IAF resulted in the killing of about 300 terrorists.

The next day, PAF retaliated by targeting six different areas across the Line of Control and the valiant pilots of PAF not only shoot down two aircrafts of IAF but also captured the Wing Commander of IAF, Abhinanadan. PAF responded in a very calculated and measured way to kill two birds with a single stone; to exhibit the strength of Pakistan Armed Forces and to avoid any further escalation. PM, Imran Khan, and DG ISPR outlined the desire to not wage a war rather to work for regional peace and stability. Moreover, the public also advocated the idea of peace and rejected the very notion of war.

There is no denying that the warmongering attitude of Indian politicians, media personnel and even the sports and showbiz celebrities speak volumes for the hostility and hatred towards Pakistan but it should not be taken as a general norm as the sane voices from India not only rejected the very idea of war but they also demanded peace.

Once Pakistani Forces captured the Wing Commander, Abhinanadan, Indian politicians and law-makers started mentioning the Geneva Conventions which is the biggest irony as the same country blatantly violated all these conventions over the years. Moreover, Geneva Conventions have the framework for the Prisoners of War but in case of Abhinanadan, the violation of the territory falls in the category of terrorism and for terrorist acts, Pakistan is not bound to follow the provisions of Geneva Conventions.  In addition, all those who are lecturing Pakistan on the human rights, need a history lesson as the human rights violation in Indian-occupied Kashmir and inhumane practices of Indian Army in Indian-occupied Kashmir say a lot about the bigotry of India politicians and Armed Forces.

One specific area that deserves massive respect and admiration is the way our public, our Armed Forces and our Civilian Leadership have responded to the aggression of India. It seems like we have learnt our lesson that the ‘War Hysteria’ and the desire for an Armed Conflict will lead us to nowhere.  The miscalculations of the past have led to this reconstruction in our ideology that, “There are no winners in war, only humanity loses.” Our Armed Forces made it clear to India that Pakistan would never compromise in regard to its territorial integrity and sovereignty and at the same time, showed the desire for achieving regional peace and stability by treating the captured pilot in the best possible manner. Moreover, the Prime Minister Imran Khan has announced today that Pakistan will return the Wing Commander, Abhinandan tomorrow, and this exemplary display says a lot about the desire to work for peace and stability in the region through dialogue and diplomatic channels.  

In the end, it can be said the recent wave of Indo-Pak tussle has not only strengthened the legal position of Pakistan but it has also conveyed the message that Pakistan is quite adamant in terms of achieving regional peace and harmony. The new ideological outlook of Pakistani public has made it clear to India and the whole international community that we are peace-loving people and we want the resolution of all core issues especially Kashmir Issue so that both countries can live in a peaceful and prosperous environment.

It can be hoped that the sanity will prevail on the other side of the border as well and the Indian leadership will ponder over its acts and will facilitate the dialogue so that the Kashmir Issue and other contentious issues can be resolved.

Pakistan Zindabad.