Tensions between Pakistan and India have once again captured the attention of the international community, as both nuclear-armed neighbors exchange pointed remarks amid rising military activity along their borders. In this evolving geopolitical landscape, Pakistan has articulated a firm and unambiguous position: while it desires peace, it is fully prepared to respond decisively if provoked.
A Call for Peace — Not to Be Mistaken for Weakness
Pakistan’s official narrative stresses its preference for regional stability and peaceful coexistence. In a recent interview with a U.S.-based news outlet, Pakistan’s Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh stated unequivocally, “Pakistan wants peace in the region, but that should not be interpreted as weakness.” This sentiment has been echoed at various levels of the government, including the Foreign Office and the military establishment.
Pakistan insists that dialogue, not confrontation, is the only way forward. However, officials also warn that any aggressive moves by India will be met with a proportionate and possibly escalated response. This dual-track policy — diplomacy backed by deterrence — appears to be the cornerstone of Islamabad’s current approach.
Escalating Border Tensions and India’s Provocations
The renewed friction appears to stem from multiple incidents near the Line of Control (LoC), including alleged cross-border shelling and unverified drone incursions. Indian media has claimed preventive strikes on “terror infrastructure” across the border, assertions that Pakistan strongly denies. In fact, Pakistan’s Ministry of Defence has labeled these reports as fabricated, calling them part of a “false flag narrative” aimed at justifying future hostilities.
Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif dismissed Indian claims of successful strikes as “nothing more than propaganda.” According to him, not only were the accusations baseless, but they also signaled a dangerous shift toward misinformation-fueled aggression.
Water Wars: A New Flashpoint
A concerning addition to the growing list of bilateral tensions is the issue of water security. Pakistani officials have raised alarm over what they describe as India’s “hydrological aggression.” According to Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, any attempt by India to unilaterally block or divert shared rivers under the Indus Waters Treaty could be considered an act of war.
Speaking at the OIC (Organisation of Islamic Cooperation) foreign ministers’ meeting, Dar emphasized that Pakistan views water as a “life-and-death matter” and will not tolerate violations that threaten its agricultural and economic lifelines. This rhetoric underscores the seriousness with which Pakistan is approaching even non-military provocations.
The Role of Global Diplomacy
In light of these developments, global actors like Russia have stepped in, calling on both nations to exercise restraint. Moscow’s offer to mediate has been received positively by Islamabad, which continues to emphasize dialogue as the ultimate solution.
The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and other international bodies have also expressed concern, warning that further escalation could endanger not only South Asia but also global peace. As two nuclear states, even a limited skirmish between India and Pakistan could have catastrophic consequences.
Military Preparedness and Deterrence
While Pakistan remains vocal about its desire to avoid conflict, it is also making clear that its armed forces are on high alert. The Director-General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Pakistan’s military media wing, stated that the Pakistan Army “reserves the right to determine the scale, timing, and intensity of its response to any Indian misadventure.”
Such statements are not merely rhetorical. Military exercises have reportedly been stepped up in key regions, and strategic installations have been fortified. In short, Islamabad is prepared for peace — but planning for war.
Domestic Unity on the Issue
Perhaps what is most striking about Pakistan’s stance is the unity across its political and military leadership. From the Prime Minister’s Office to the Foreign Ministry and Armed Forces, all voices are aligned. There is a shared understanding that while Pakistan cannot afford a war, it also cannot appear vulnerable to intimidation.
Analysts believe this cohesion sends a clear message to India and the international community: Pakistan will neither instigate nor submit.
Conclusion: Walking the Tightrope Between War and Peace
The current India-Pakistan standoff represents a delicate balancing act. On one hand, Pakistan is making a concerted effort to rally international support for peace. On the other, it is signaling its readiness for any eventuality, should diplomacy fail.
At its core, Pakistan’s position is based on strategic patience coupled with credible deterrence. The path to peace, Islamabad insists, is still open — but not at the cost of its sovereignty, security, or national pride.
As the region watches closely, it is now up to both nations to choose whether they will move toward reconciliation — or continue down the dangerous path of confrontation.
Reference: بھارت سے امن یا تصادم؟ پاکستان کا دوٹوک مؤقف سامنے آگیا