ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Atta Tarar, has criticized India for expanding its irresponsible behavior into the sporting domain. Speaking at the launch of the edited publication titled “Strategic Reckoning: Perspectives on Deterrence and Escalation Post-Pahalgam – May 2025,” organized by the Institute of Regional Studies (IRS) in partnership with the Center for Security Strategy and Policy Research (CSSPR), Tarar voiced strong concerns over India’s recent conduct.
He pointed out that following setbacks on the battlefield, India is now resorting to petty tactics in sports to deflect attention from its failures. Tarar emphasized that Pakistan has effectively countered Indian propaganda, providing a robust response to unprovoked aggression. The recent four-day conflict, which compelled India to seek a ceasefire, is a testament to Pakistan’s resilience.
The minister underscored Pakistan’s consistent efforts to promote regional peace and stability. He criticized the Modi government and the Hindutva ideology, asserting they have suffered a humiliating defeat, yet India continues to portray itself as the victim despite its aggressive posture. Tarar highlighted that Pakistan has revealed the truth behind incidents like the Pahalgam attack and even offered to allow independent investigations, reaffirming its stance against terrorism and its commitment to global security.
He further argued that a nation violating international norms cannot credibly claim victimhood. Pakistan remains committed to peaceful coexistence and regional stability, and continues to support the resolution of the Kashmir dispute in line with UN resolutions, expressing unwavering political, moral, and diplomatic backing for Kashmiri aspirations.
Ambassador Jauhar Saleem, President of IRS, warned that India’s coercive policies towards neighboring countries such as Nepal and Sri Lanka serve to destabilize South Asia. He pointed out that these actions weaken regional institutions like SAARC, which could otherwise promote cooperation and prosperity, but are hindered by India’s hegemonic ambitions. Saleem cautioned that India’s pursuit of strategic dominance risks diplomatic isolation and long-term setbacks.
Lt. Gen. Khalid Ahmed Kidwai, Advisor to the National Command Authority, highlighted Pakistan’s military preparedness and operational capabilities, including the establishment of the Army Rocket Force Command, which demonstrate a credible deterrence posture. He noted Pakistan’s measured response to Indian aggression, emphasizing that recent coordinated tri-service operations have successfully restored strategic balance, despite India’s military shortcomings.
Former Azad Jammu and Kashmir President, Ambassador Masood Khan, identified the Pahalgam attack as a critical flashpoint that underscores the Kashmir dispute’s ongoing role in regional instability. He warned that ignoring Kashmiri grievances could perpetuate crises and regional unrest.
Dr. Rabia Akhtar, the publication’s editor, described the May 2025 crisis as an attempted destabilization of deterrence by India, which sought to normalize pre-emptive strikes. She argued that this approach should be recognized as a ‘new abnormal,’ diverging from established crisis management norms under nuclear conditions. She praised Pakistan’s calibrated retaliation as a responsible form of deterrence, contrasting it with India’s reckless brinkmanship and cautioning against accepting such dangerous behavior as standard.
Defense analyst Khalid Banuri reviewed the Pakistan Air Force’s response, highlighting its swift mobilization and effective neutralization of Indian strikes. He stressed that the PAF’s precise counter-air operations demonstrated air superiority and undermined Indian coercive tactics, emphasizing the high costs of escalation.
Dr. Salma Malik, an academic from QAU, pointed to the broader regional consequences of such crises, including economic disruptions, displacement, and increased security concerns. She called for multilateral frameworks to manage crises effectively and ensure smaller states have a voice in peacekeeping efforts.
Lastly, defense analyst Ejaz Haider examined Indian media’s role during the crisis, noting how misinformation, sensationalism, and triumphalist narratives fueled domestic pressure for escalation. He warned that such narrative warfare can worsen conflicts and hinder accountability.
