
India's peacock parade: a march into regional instability
The national bird of India is the peacock, a majestic animal known for its dazzling display of feathers. It is a grandiose symbol of beauty and prestige. India's strategic arsenal seems to be following the same ideology of the peacock, putting on a dazzling display in order to solidify its place in the global pecking order. However, this form of showboating serves as a harrowing and dangerous precedent for the South Asian region. It reflects a country, prioritising prestige over its national security demands which can create a security dilemma for the region and the world at large.
India's initial drive towards nuclear weapons followed a path of minimum deterrence, with India even opting for a No-First Use (NFU) policy as soon as it conducted its nuclear tests in 1998. India has maintained that China and Pakistan are its key security concerns and for that reason, it has developed nuclear weapons. However, considering India's trajectory of strategic arsenal developments, it no longer seems the case. It appears that India has evolved its threat matrix to other global actors as well. At least, that is what these developments indicate.
India has joined multiple exclusive clubs in the recent years. It is now one of the few countries that possess Inter-Continental Ballistic Missiles (ICBM), Anti-Satellite (ASAT) weapons and hypersonic missiles as well. Through programmes such as Agni, India is also adding additional strategic capabilities to its arsenal such as the ability to have Multiple Independently targetable Re-entry Vehicles (MIRV)-based warheads, allowing India to gain an edge in terms of its nuclear weapons delivery and extend a threatening arm to other continents.
For a state that views its immediate neighborhood as threat, the development of such weapon systems does not make much strategic sense. India already has enough delivery vehicles and warheads to deter China and Pakistan. Given the geographical proximity of India's adversaries, such weapon systems pose no distinct military advantage. However, if India has global ambitions, then this makes perfect sense.
In addition, India is also in the possession of hypersonic nuclear-capable missiles such as the Shaurya with a range close to 2000km. Travelling at speeds greater than Mach 7 (seven times the speed of sound), these missiles will drastically cut down the flight time to target. Development of such platforms is an indication that India may be opting for a counterforce strategy rather than the longstanding countervalue targeting. By having delivery vehicles that can evade missile defences and land decisive blows to military targets, India may consider this as a viable strategy in case of a nuclear escalation.
Counterforce strategies are inherently dangerous in a strategically contested environment. Perhaps, the biggest challenge is that if a country becomes more assured of its counterforce capabilities it is more inclined to initiate a preemptive strike. An indication of this is the fact that India's longstanding NFU status has come under increased scrutiny in the recent times. Prominent Indian analysts such as Bharat Karnad and BS Nagal have been vociferously critical about India's NFU status.
This idea emerges from the BJP 2014 election campaign that calls for a revision and updating of India's nuclear doctrine, indicating the ruling party's future ambitions. This is further solidified from statements of key government officials like Rajnath Singh and Manohar Parrikar.
In conclusion, India's prestige-driven model of strategic ambition creates a security dilemma within the region. Backed by a nationalistic government with stated goals of doctrinal revisions, the South Asian region will remain embroiled in an arms race. The peacock's feathers may continue to shimmer in the sun, but they provide no further protection in the rain, no matter how dazzling they may be. If India truly seeks peace and respect at the international stage, it must rethink whether it wants to impress, or wants to ensure security.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Business Recorder
25 minutes ago
- Business Recorder
Old car importers: Anti-Benami zone of FBR initiates big crackdown
KARACHI: The anti-Benami zone of Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has kicked off massive crackdown against the billions of rupees Benami transactions carried out by old/used car importers during past seven years. According to the official document, which was exclusively available to the Daily Business Recorder, the anti-Benami zone has launched a comprehensive crackdown targeting the systematic abuse of the Vehicle Baggage and Gifts Scheme (VB&GS), which was designed for legitimate personal imports but has been extensively exploited by commercial importers through clearing agents with the alleged support of customs officials. The enforcement action is focusing on vehicle clearances conducted between February 2018 and May 2025, giving clearing agents just seven days to provide detailed explanations for thousands of vehicle imports processed under the personal baggage scheme. The notices have specifically accused clearing agents of concealing the true beneficial ownership of imported vehicles while systematically evading billions in taxes and duties during the seven-year period under investigation. The anti-Benami zone has demanded comprehensive documentation from clearing agents, including complete import records, customs declarations, detailed particulars of end users and true owners with names, national identity card numbers and addresses, information on all parties involved in transactions, copies of agreements and contracts, bank statements covering the entire seven-year period, and detailed explanations of how commercial vehicles qualified for the personal baggage and gifts scheme and warned to initiate criminal proceedings under multiple sections of the Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Act 2017 in case of non-compliance, showing the determination to hold all responsible accountable for this systematic exploitation of these schemes. Arshad Khurshid, Chairman of the All Pakistan Customs Clearing Agents Association, confirmed that the anti-Benami zone has issued notices to the association members involved in vehicles clearance. He said that the association has instructed its members to provide maximum cooperation with the investigation and furnish all requested clearance records to the authorities. Meanwhile sources informed that the crackdown was initiated following direct instructions from Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, who ordered comprehensive action to stop the exploitation of overseas Pakistani passports for misusing personal baggage, transfer of residence, and gift schemes in the import of old/ used vehicles. The Prime Minister's directive is now reflecting zero-tolerance approach against the systematic abuse of schemes, which although intended to facilitate overseas Pakistanis for their legitimate personal imports, being misused for years. The government had previously attempted to address the issue by introducing additional legal requirements in the Import Policy Order, 2022, implemented in 2019 for old/used vehicle imports under these schemes. These regulations mandated that all duties and taxes for vehicles imported under transfer of residence, personal baggage, or gift schemes must be paid using foreign exchange arranged by Pakistani nationals themselves or local recipients, supported by bank encashment certificates showing conversion of foreign remittance to local currency. It also restricted that remittances for duty and tax payments must originate from the account of the Pakistani national sending the vehicle from abroad, and must be received either in the sender's account or, if that account is non-existent or inoperative, in a family member's account. To ensure compliance, the government made submission of Proceed Realization Certificates mandatory, including details of remitting banks, remitter names, beneficiary information, account numbers, certificate amounts, and beneficiary banks verified by head offices. However, customs authorities have found a new pattern of fraud where unscrupulous elements involved in vehicle clearance have been submitting fake Proceed Realization Certificates in collusion with various private banks. These fraudulent certificates were being verified by the banks themselves, enabling the illegal clearance of vehicles, sources said, suggesting that the ongoing crackdown may not have lasting impact without comprehensive policy reform. They said that the government collected over Rs. 100 billion through old/used vehicle imports but didn't promulgate any policy for commercial imports, urging the government to introduce a commercial import policy to completely eliminate such illicit activities. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025


Business Recorder
6 hours ago
- Business Recorder
ECP disqualifies PTI MNA Abdul Latif Chitrali over May 9 conviction
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Tuesday formally de-notified Abdul Latif Chitrali as a Member of the National Assembly from NA-1 (Chitral Upper cum Chitral Lower) after declaring him disqualified under Article 63(1)(h) of the Constitution. According to an official notification issued by the ECP, the disqualification came in light of the commission's order dated July 29, 2025. The notification stated that as a result of the disqualification, Abdul Latif's National Assembly seat has become vacant. Chitrali, a member of Jamaat-e-Islami, was elected to the lower house of Parliament from Chitral in the 2024 general elections. His disqualification stems from a conviction by an anti-terrorism court earlier this year for delivering hate speech during a protest in Chitral. The court handed him a five-year sentence under Section 9 of the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997, a conviction upheld by the Peshawar High Court. Under Article 63(1)(h) of the Constitution, a person is disqualified from being elected or remaining a member of Parliament if convicted of an offence involving moral turpitude and sentenced to more than two years in prison, unless a period of five years has lapsed since the release. The ECP's decision follows weeks of legal scrutiny and comes as part of its constitutional mandate to ensure that elected representatives fulfil the requirements set out in the Constitution. The de-notification paves the way for a by-election in NA-1, though no schedule has yet been announced. The development comes a day after the ECP disqualified three PTI lawmakers - Senator Ijaz Chaudhry, Opposition Leader in the Punjab Assembly, Malik Ahmed Khan Bhachar and MNA Ahmed Chattha - and declared their seats vacant.


Business Recorder
20 hours ago
- Business Recorder
Beyond honour: reclaiming justice and humanity in Pakistan
In the heart of Baluchistan, a crowd gathered, watching in silence as two young lives were ended in the name of 'honour.' Their only crime: being accused of bringing shame. This was not a hidden act, but a public spectacle, a chilling reminder that in Pakistan, 'honour' can still become a licence to kill. But my question is how many more lives must be lost before we admit that 'honour' has become a weapon, not a virtue? Each year, the silent toll of honour killings grows in lives cut short, families shattered, and justice denied. This is not just a statistic; it is a national emergency that demands our collective conscience and urgent action. Most often, it is women who pay the highest price. In Pakistan, the concept of 'honour' leads to the tragic loss of countless women each year, reflecting a persistent tradition that presents serious obstacles to justice and human rights. Honour killings, defined as the murder of women to protect family reputation, remain a troubling form of gender-based violence in Pakistan. Taking on responsibility often brings a sense of authority, as legal consequences are often insufficient and societal norms prioritize family reputation over individual rights. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan recorded around 1,961 honour killings from 2004 to 2022, but the actual numbers are likely much higher due to underreporting. Section 299 of the Pakistan Penal Code defines honour killing as an offence aimed at preserving honour. Sections 300 and 302 categorize it as murder and specify the punishment. Despite the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act 2004 and the Anti-Honour Killing Act 2016 aiming to make these offences non-compoundable and state matters, notable loopholes remain. The Qisas and Diyat law illustrates this clearly, allowing pardons and reducing accountability, as seen in the Qandeel Baloch case. In various regions of Baluchistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, informal justice mechanisms such as jirgas are crucial for resolving disputes, particularly in contexts where formal opportunities are restricted. Nonetheless, these forums are largely characterized by a male presence, with a notable lack of representation for women. This gap is more than just a theoretical idea. In March 1999, a troubling incident occurred involving a 16-year-old girl in Parachinar, who was sent back to her tribe after being raped. The jirga determined she had dishonoured her tribe, leading to her execution in front of tribal members. Honour killings occur in various settings, not limited to tribal or rural areas. Samia Sarwar, 29, was shot dead in her lawyer's office in Lahore while pursuing a divorce. Her own mother, a medical professional, was involved in the heartbreaking choice to end a life. Honour killings are wrongly justified by religion, yet neither the Quran nor Hadith endorses these actions. Islam strictly forbids the taking of innocent lives (Surah An-Nisa 4:93), and religious authorities consistently denounce honour killings, emphasizing that justice belongs to the legal system. The actions stem from enduring customs that emphasize patriarchal control over women's autonomy, rather than authentic religious beliefs, as shown by their absence in many Muslim-majority countries like Indonesia and Malaysia. The Constitution of Pakistan guarantees key rights, including the right to life and liberty (Article 9) and protections for women (Article 25). The leniency in honour killing cases dates back to British colonial rule. The 1990 amendments incorporated Islamic principles like Qisas and Diyat into the legal system, allowing for family pardons. The 2004 and 2016 Acts strengthened the judicial system by making honour killings non-compoundable. The legal system has flaws; courts sometimes grant exceptions, and victims' families may choose to forgive offenders. The Qandeel Baloch case illustrates ongoing challenges, as her brother was initially sentenced but later acquitted by the Lahore High Court due to procedural issues. This situation reveals ongoing problems in the criminal justice system, including blood pardons, poorly crafted legislation, and narrow legal interpretations. The Constitution of Pakistan ensures important rights, such as the right to life and liberty (Article 9), along with provisions for the protection of women (Article 25). Historically, the leniency observed in cases of honour killings can be traced back to the era of British colonial rule. The amendments of 1990 brought Islamic principles such as qisas and diyat into the legal framework, permitting family pardons. In contrast, the Acts of 2004 and 2016 reinforced the judicial system by rendering honour killings non-compoundable. Nonetheless, the legal system is not without its flaws, as courts occasionally grant exceptions or victims' families choose to forgive offenders. The Qandeel Baloch case, where her brother was initially sentenced but later acquitted by the Lahore High Court due to procedural issues, exemplifies these persistent challenges. This situation highlights persistent issues within the criminal justice system, such as blood pardons, inadequately developed legislation, and restrictive interpretations of the law. Pakistan has made commitments to numerous international conventions and treaties, which require the country to protect women's rights and tackle gender-based violence in a meaningful way. The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) stand as essential pillars in the ongoing struggle for equality and justice worldwide. Pakistan must eliminate discriminatory practices and ensure equal protection for women as per these agreements. Pakistan, as an Islamic state, promotes spiritual equality for both men and women. Islam forbids intentional killing, including honour killings, asserting that justice belongs to Allah or the courts. Islam promotes ethical principles for all individuals and prohibits causing harm or taking the life of a woman for failing to fulfil expectations. The Quran's guidance is applicable to all genders. The antiquated notion that ties family honour exclusively to the behaviour of women and rationalizes violence needs to be reformed. These actions are a more significant wrongdoing than the one under scrutiny. Education, awareness, and open dialogue are crucial for dismantling these harmful conventions. Elders, teachers, and religious leaders must define the true meanings of Islam and the law. The recent tragedy in Baluchistan, the murder of Qandeel Baloch, and the killing of a 13-year-old girl in Bolan district highlight the critical necessity for justice in Pakistan to be both inclusive and compassionate. Honour killings should be firmly denounced, no matter where they originate, whether from a jirga, family, or misguided customs. To put an end to violence and ensure justice, it is essential to uphold the law, rectify existing gaps, and shift societal attitudes and beliefs. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025