The tragic terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, has once again highlighted the urgent need for decisive action against terrorism. India, a nation deeply committed to peace and global brotherhood under the philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” — the world is one family — is now preparing a strong, focused, and justified response. However, it is crucial to understand that India’s action is aimed only at terrorists and those who support them. The target is not the people of Pakistan, nor is it Pakistan’s military, unless provoked.
India’s intent is clear: to punish those involved in the Pahalgam attack and to send a message to all terror groups that violence against innocent civilians will not be tolerated. Yet, the situation could become far more dangerous if Pakistan decides to react militarily instead of accepting and acting against the terror elements within its territory.
If Pakistan chooses the path of escalation, it risks plunging itself into deep and irreversible troubles — troubles far beyond a simple border conflict.
Economic Collapse
Pakistan’s economy is already on the verge of collapse. With record inflation, a weakening rupee, a heavy external debt burden, and dwindling foreign exchange reserves, the country can ill afford the expenses and disruptions that come with a war.
A military conflict with India would force Pakistan to divert its already limited resources toward defense spending, leaving little to no room for critical public services like healthcare, education, and welfare. International investors would flee the country, international aid would likely dry up, and sanctions could be imposed if Pakistan is seen as supporting terrorism rather than fighting it.
For ordinary Pakistani citizens, this would mean massive unemployment, food shortages, skyrocketing prices of essentials, and a healthcare system on the brink of collapse. In simple terms, a war would take Pakistan’s existing economic problems and multiply them several times over, pushing millions further into poverty.
Humanitarian Disaster: The Cost Paid by the Innocent
Wars are never kind to civilians. Should hostilities break out, Pakistani cities near the Indian border could face direct attacks. Important infrastructure — bridges, communication networks, power grids, and supply chains — would be targeted to cripple Pakistan’s war-fighting ability.
Thousands, if not millions, of civilians could be displaced. Refugee camps would spring up inside Pakistan, creating immense humanitarian challenges. Food, water, shelter, and medical care would become scarce commodities. Disease, malnutrition, and fear would spread among displaced populations.
Meanwhile, India’s military superiority — in terms of technology, resources, and strategic depth — ensures that any such conflict would be devastatingly one-sided. Pakistan simply cannot match India’s might in a prolonged conflict.
Territorial Losses
Pakistan must also consider the severe internal risks it faces if it chooses to escalate tensions with India. For decades, there have been strong independence movements within Pakistan’s own borders, particularly in Balochistan and Sindh.
Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest province by area but one of the least developed, has long been demanding greater autonomy and, increasingly, complete independence. The region’s people have deep grievances against Islamabad, accusing it of exploitation, human rights abuses, and political repression.
If Pakistan gets involved in a major war with India, Balochistan’s separatist forces would see it as an opportunity to intensify their struggle for independence. India, and possibly other international players, may offer diplomatic or moral support to these movements, further weakening Pakistan’s grip on its own territory.
Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) would be another flashpoint. Any instability caused by war could open the door for India to reclaim PoK, a territory it claims as its own but has remained under Pakistan’s control since 1947. At the same time, local populations in PoK, who already suffer from neglect and human rights issues, might rise in rebellion against Islamabad.
In a worst-case scenario for Pakistan, it could lose not just PoK but also face severe internal disintegration, losing control over Balochistan and potentially other areas like Gilgit-Baltistan and parts of Sindh.
International Isolation
The international community today is much less tolerant of countries that harbor or support terrorism. If Pakistan is perceived as protecting or encouraging terrorist elements instead of taking action against them, it risks being completely isolated on the global stage.
Already facing scrutiny from bodies like the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) for terror financing, a military conflict would only worsen Pakistan’s standing. Countries that have traditionally been sympathetic to Pakistan may find it diplomatically impossible to support a nation engaged in aggression against a country fighting terrorism.
Pakistan could face:
- Economic sanctions
- Trade restrictions
- Loss of foreign aid
- Visa bans for its citizens
- Severe damage to its international image
In contrast, India — as a nation responding to terrorism — would gain broader international sympathy and support. Global powers like the United States, France, and even several Muslim-majority countries have recognized India’s right to self-defense against terrorism in the past.
Pakistan’s Leadership Must Choose Wisely
It is not too late for Pakistan to make the right choice. Instead of falling into the trap of military bravado, Pakistan’s leadership should focus on eliminating terrorism from its soil, cooperating internationally, and rebuilding its battered economy.
By choosing peace over conflict, Pakistan can avoid a catastrophic future for its people. War may bring momentary political slogans and fake patriotism, but the real cost — economic ruin, territorial loss, human suffering — would be paid by ordinary Pakistani citizens.
India has no desire for war against the Pakistani people. India’s fight is, and always has been, against terrorism and those who aid and abet it. However, if Pakistan escalates, India will not hesitate to defend itself, and the consequences will be disastrous for Pakistan far more than for India.
The coming days will be crucial. How Pakistan responds to India’s focused action against terrorism will determine not only the future of Indo-Pak relations but also Pakistan’s own survival as a stable nation.
A wrong decision could mean the collapse of Pakistan’s economy, the break-up of its territories, international isolation, and widespread humanitarian suffering.
India stands firm on the side of righteousness, committed to peace but equally committed to defending itself and its citizens. Pakistan must realize that in today’s world, no nation can hide behind the shield of terrorism and expect to survive.
