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Express Tribune
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
The border bully
As tensions between India and Pakistan momentarily ease, a deeper unease continues to fester, especially among those who live closest to the LoC. In Azad Kashmir, entire communities have once again been upended by a conflict they did not cause. These people bear the brunt of every cross-border escalation. During the recent skirmishes, over 30 lives were lost, more than 1,100 families were displaced, and hundreds of homes were destroyed. Even now, with a fragile ceasefire in place, children carry invisible psychological scars, and the dread of renewed violence hangs thick in the air. Meanwhile, Indian television channels continue to fuel the fire. Instead of welcoming the ceasefire, several news anchors and talk show hosts appear to be more interested in inciting further aggression. Guests scream for retribution. Hashtags trend are calling for war. There's something deeply disturbing about watching a media ecosystem treat the prospect of large-scale violence as entertainment. This isn't journalism - it's provocation dressed as patriotism. The hysteria began almost immediately after the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, a popular tourist spot in Indian-occupied Kashmir. Without waiting for any investigation, many Indian news outlets - most of them backed by powerful business interests with ties to the ruling Hindu nationalist party - pointed fingers at Pakistan. Some even went so far as to suggest military strikes before the Indian government had made any official statement. Social media added fuel to the fire. From across the border came a flood of memes and hate-filled posts aimed at Pakistanis. For me, it was especially disheartening. As a law graduate from the United States, I shared classrooms and dormitories with Indian students. We were taught the values of peace, equality, and respect for all nationalities. To see some of those same people reposting venomous content online is deeply unsettling. It felt like the war wasn't just being fought in the skies or at the borders, but on timelines, newsfeeds and WhatsApp groups. Even prominent artists - usually voices of peace and cultural diplomacy - joined the chorus of hostility. Some, ironically designated as UN Ambassadors for Peace, fanned the flames instead of promoting calm. These dark days have shown how deeply hate can penetrate even the most idealistic circles. Unsurprisingly, India's leadership has struggled to sell the ceasefire as a win. The lack of a decisive military success, combined with domestic political pressures, has led to fears that further escalation may still be on the table, and the Indian aggressor may strike Pakistan with greater force. In Pakistan, the mood has been one of pride, especially after the air force successfully downed Indian aircraft in retaliation - an act New Delhi refused to acknowledge. But even amid that pride, we must remember: there is no glory in war. Victory, if one dares to call it that, comes with funerals and broken homes. The new normal that this conflict has introduced is alarming. Future tensions between India and Pakistan may no longer be limited to cross-border firing. Drone strikes, cyberattacks and covert operations are increasingly part of the strategic landscape. This escalation presents multiple new threats, and the primary victims will, as always, be ordinary civilians. Pakistan must prepare for this evolving threat landscape, given that it has exercised considerable restraint. Even after the recent hijacking of the Jaffer Express in Balochistan - an attack that many believe was aided by Indian intelligence - Pakistan has not opted for indiscriminate retaliation. The involvement of convicted Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav in destabilising efforts across Balochistan only adds to the list of provocations. India may have acted as the aggressor, but Pakistan has responded with caution and responsibility. Our response has been defensive, not expansionist. Our air force's success in repelling Indian attacks further reinforced our commitment to deterrence, not destruction. War should not be glorified. It should be feared, avoided and condemned. Peace must not be framed as weakness, and diplomacy must never be drowned out by drumbeats of war.
Business Recorder
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
A fragile silence
When President Donald Trump recently claimed victory in mediating ceasefires in Ukraine, Gaza, and now between India and Pakistan, he presented himself as a peacemaker able to halt global violence. Yet silencing guns is not a sign of true peace. Temporary truces leave deep structural issues unresolved, deeply intensifying political wounds—ignored and unaddressed by a leader whose interest in peace appears limited to transactional quick fixes rather than sustainable resolutions. In South Asia, where Trump's latest intervention resulted in a fragile halt to the worst India-Pakistan clashes in decades, the core issues remain untouched, risking further—and potentially catastrophic—escalations. American presidents have historically held a strong influence in times of crises between Islamabad and New Delhi. In previous conflicts, notably in 1965, 1971 and even Kargil, the US mediated discreetly, emphasizing diplomatic dialogue, compromise, and conflict resolution. Trump's recent ceasefire, though publicly celebrated, lacks exactly this depth. It hinges merely on the immediate silencing of weapons, overlooking underlying triggers that brought the nuclear-armed neighbours to near-war. The catalyst for the recent escalation was April's tragic attack in Pahalgam, Indian-occupied Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians. India quickly attributed blame to Pakistan, without sharing any concrete evidence or allowing a neutral investigation despite Pakistan's insistence. India's eventual reaction—Operation Sindoor—was framed as a non-escalatory, defensive measure. The reality, however, was starkly different from what was claimed. Indian strikes included residential areas, mosques, and essential civilian infrastructure such as the Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower Project. This was clearly a provocation, and that too, without any basis. What followed was a series of events with both sides escalating until Trump's intervention prevailed. But the ceasefire ignores a critically overlooked oversight: the absence of a neutral, international investigation into the Pahalgam incident. Turkish President Erdogan had wisely suggested such an international probe, recognizing its value in establishing accountability. Without investigation and transparency, India's aggressive military response remains dangerously legitimized, incentivizing future similar actions. Trump, despite portraying himself as a mediator, has so far failed to secure this foundational prerequisite for a lasting peace. The second oversight is even more perilous: the unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty by India and the deliberate omission of its restoration in peace talks. Long regarded as one of the world's most resilient water-sharing agreements, this treaty—brokered by the World Bank in 1960—has been pivotal to regional stability. India's decision to choke off Chenab river flows, drastically reducing water discharge from 35,000 cusecs to merely 3,100, has not only jeopardized millions of Pakistani livelihoods but deliberately 'weaponized' water to exacerbate regional tensions. Indian construction of upstream dams, notably Pakal Dul and Baglihar, violates explicit treaty clauses requiring mutual consultation and cooperation. Such provocations are not minor disputes. They constitute acts of strategic hostility, carrying direct humanitarian consequences and significantly undermining trust between two nuclear-armed states. Yet Trump's mediation made no mention of restoring treaty compliance or initiating a World Bank-led dialogue to manage water grievances. In the past, multilateral institutions like the World Bank actively brokered disputes, as opposed to being just passive observers. They facilitated dialogues and effectively mediated crises related to treaty violations. Today, as Trump's administration proudly announces a ceasefire, this critical institutional role has been abandoned. In doing so, the United States allows a dangerous precedent to form: agreements signed under international auspices can be suspended with impunity if a state chooses unilateral action. This negligence mirrors Trump's approach elsewhere. In Gaza, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continues his devastating war, repeatedly breaking Trump brokered cease-fire terms. Trump's support for Netanyahu has been unwavering, yet that relationship has failed to bring meaningful resolution to the plight of hostages, reduce civilian casualties, or secure lasting stability. Temporary ceasefires in Palestine, too, ignore the fundamental issue of its statehood and sovereignty, ensuring repeated cycles of endless violence. Similarly, in Ukraine, Trump announced a fragile truce with Russia, ignoring fundamental Ukrainian demands for territorial sovereignty and lasting security assurances. Despite entering into a minerals deal with Ukraine, no meaningful peace has yet been achieved; Russian missiles continue to strike civilian areas, confirming the limitations of ceasefires that address symptoms rather than core political conflicts. In all these scenarios—Ukraine, Gaza, and South Asia—Trump's diplomacy follows a similar disturbing pattern. Immediate violence is paused, but the underlying drivers of conflict remain untouched, virtually guaranteeing future instability. Trump's transactional diplomacy values headlines over lasting outcomes, spotlighting short-term fixes rather than long-term strategic engagements essential for true peace. For Pakistan, the implications of this fragile peace are especially severe. The country faces an existential climate threat, grave economic challenges due to IMF-imposed austerity, and soaring poverty levels that are already exacerbating domestic instability. With the Indus Waters Treaty sidelined, agricultural disruptions will only intensify food insecurity, heightening socio-economic stresses. Pakistan's strategic calculus must factor in these striking realities. A lasting peace requires resolving these core economic and environmental tensions, not just the cessation of fire. An independent international investigation into the Pahalgam incident, as President Erdogan rightly proposed, is crucial not only for justice but also to rebuild trust and de-escalate regional tensions. Equally urgent is restoring India's adherence to the Indus Waters Treaty, ensuring reliable water flow and cooperative river management. Without both steps, Trump's ceasefire is dangerously incomplete, risking imminent collapse. The question now for the international community—and especially institutions like the World Bank—is whether they will step back into their essential mediation roles. The treaty violations must trigger swift, impartial action, reaffirming the global order's foundational commitment to diplomatic resolution and multilateral accountability. Ultimately, Trump's brand of quick-fix diplomacy must give way to more robust, sustainable international engagement. True peace requires tackling underlying issues, establishing genuine accountability, and ensuring enforceable treaty compliance. Otherwise, we risk repeating cycles of violence, each more dangerous and costlier than the last. This latest ceasefire comes with a silver lining for world peace—an opportunity that Trump and the international community must urgently seize to address the deeper crises at hand. The clock is ticking, and temporary solutions will no longer suffice. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Fazlur Rehman warns of protests over underage marriage ban bill
JUI-F Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman condemned the proposed bill seeking to ban underage marriages, warning that failure to withdraw it could force his party to take to the streets, Express News reported. Speaking in the National Assembly on Monday, Rehman criticised the timing of the bill, arguing that the country needs unity and solidarity, not controversy. 'This is a time to promote national cohesion, yet the government is pushing forward a divisive bill,' he said. Referring to the bill that prohibits marriage for individuals under the age of 18, he questioned the necessity of introducing such legislation at this critical moment. 'If I oppose the bill, people will question my stance, but I must raise my voice,' he stated. He urged the Speaker of the National Assembly to issue a ruling against the bill and cautioned the government not to compel his party to protest on the streets. 'It would be better to halt this legislation and refer it to the Council of Islamic Ideology. If they find no objection, I too will have none,' he added. Also Read: Pakistan denies Indian claim of using Shaheen missile in Operation Bunyanum Marsoos Addressing recent regional tensions, Rehman said the entire country and Parliament are united in condemning India's aggression. He denounced India's swift blame on Pakistan following the Pehalgam incident in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir without conducting any investigation. 'India launched missiles targeting our civilian and religious sites, claiming they were attacking terrorist hideouts. They blamed us for their own security failures,' he said. He praised Pakistan's armed forces for their prompt and effective response, stating, 'If our military establishment admits it cannot fight without national support, we must ensure unity. India initiated aggression, but our military's response will be remembered in history.' The JUI-F chief also paid tribute to Pakistan's forces, highlighting the need to maintain unity even after a ceasefire. 'India's Parliament is mocking its own leadership. Modi stands isolated, without public support. To save face, he may resort to such tactics again,' he warned. Read More: Pakistan will never bow to Indian hegemony: DG ISPR He highlighted growing Pakistan-China ties, particularly in the defence domain. 'Our economic partnership with China has now entered the defence sphere. We must trust our ally.' He further stated that European and Israeli technologies failed in recent encounters, whereas Chinese and Asian technologies succeeded. 'The world witnessed how our pilots effectively utilized modern technology,' he claimed. He further stressed the importance of keeping the Afghan border peaceful. He referred to the drone strike in Waziristan, which was also discussed in Parliament, and mentioned his party's million marches in Peshawar and Quetta. 'We organized rallies to break the climate of fear and demonstrate national unity. We showed the world that the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan are very much alive,' he concluded.
Express Tribune
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Imran warns against lowering guard after India truce
PTI founder Imran Khan has warned of a potential fresh attack from India and stressed the need for the armed forces to remain vigilant in the wake of escalating regional tensions. The former prime minister conveyed this message during a rare meeting with his sisters, including Aleema Khan, who were allowed to see him after eight weeks. Speaking to the media following the meeting on Tuesday, Aleema said Imran was concerned that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whom he described as someone who hates Pakistan, may act recklessly in anger. "In war, 60 per cent of the game is mental. I fear Modi might act again," she quoted her brother as saying. Aleema added that Imran discussed the broader national sentiment, saying that "the people of Pakistan are very happy," but also stressed the importance of swift responses in times of conflict. He said that a "false flag operation" had been carried out in Indian-occupied Kashmir. During the meeting, Imran also took aim at the 26th Constitutional Amendment, calling it the "burial of the rule of law" and a mechanism to legitimise trying civilians in military courts. "Judicial independence has been rolled back," he reportedly said, adding that public support was crucial during wartime. Aleema said her brother also questioned the party's relatively muted response to military court trials, asking why PTI had not taken a stronger stance. "His priority is the movement," she said. "As for Junaid Akbar [who resigned as PAC chairman], he said it was up to him to decide which position he wanted to hold." "My priority is the movement, not the PAC," she further quoted him as saying. The former prime minister also questioned the absence of CCTV footage from the May 9 incidents.
Business Recorder
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
At least 40 civilians, 11 soldiers martyred due to India's unprovoked attacks: ISPR
At least 40 civilians were martyred and 121 were injured due to Indian Armed Forces' unprovoked attacks in Pakistan on May 6 and May 7, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Tuesday. In a press release issued today, the ISPR said that due to these barbaric strikes, women and children were also among the martyred and wounded. 'In response to this grave aggression, the Pakistan Armed Forces mounted a resolute response under the banner of Marka-e-Haq, delivering precise and notch-up retributive strikes through Operation Bunyanum Marsoos,' the statement said. At least 11 personnel of the Pakistan Armed Forces were martyred and 78 were wounded while defending the country, added the statement. 'Their noble sacrifice of martyrs is an enduring symbol of courage, devotion, and unwavering patriotism—etched forever in the nation's memory.' On May 10, Pakistan launched a counter attack against India in response to missile attacks on three Pakistan airbases. Pakistan engaged a total of 26 military facilities used to attack civilians in Pakistan and Indian-occupied Kashmir, as per Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry. These included airbases in Suratgarh, Sirsa, Adampur, Bhooj, Nalia, Bathinda, Avantipura, and Pathankot. He also confirmed the destruction of BrahMos missile sites responsible for earlier strikes on Pakistani territory. Meanwhile, in its press release today, ISPR said that Pakistan Armed Forces, together with the people of Pakistan, pay solemn tribute to the martyred civilians and military personnel, and offer heartfelt prayers for the swift recovery of the injured. 'The nation remains resolute in the face of aggression. Let there be no ambiguity: any attempt to challenge Pakistan's sovereignty or territorial integrity, ever again, shall be met with a swift, full-spectrum, and decisive response Inshallah.'
