Responding to India with strategic calm, not anger

Comment

By Ansar Abbasi

ISLAMABAD: In the aftermath of Pahalgam incident and following recent military engagements, Pakistan stands tall -- composed, victorious, and strategically sound -- as against India.

The successful downing of Indian fighter jets, particularly three Rafales, has sent shockwaves through New Delhi’s political and defence establishment. India -- visibly unnerved, globally embarrassed and diplomatically cornered -- now seeks to unsettle Pakistan in return. But we must not fall into this trap.

As drone incursions and provocations by India increase, it is clear that New Delhi is attempting to provoke Pakistan for a misstep. It wants Pakistan to react impulsively -- to create a narrative shift, to claim moral high ground, and to distract from its own embarrassment. This is not the time to let emotions override judgment. Pakistan must stay focused. We have secured significant tactical and symbolic victories so far. Now, we must consolidate those gains not just militarily, but diplomatically and psychologically. This requires restraint, maturity, and above all, confidence in our own strategy. Our leadership and armed forces, as announced by them already, should choose the right time, place and method to respond decisively -- if and when it becomes necessary. Reactionary moves will serve only our adversary. Strategic patience, on the other hand, serves Pakistan. Indian air attack led to the downing of its five fighter jets, including all important three Rafales. Later, they sent drones inside Pakistan, most of them are shot down. India is frustratingly trying Pakistan to react through its provocative moves and make a mistake. Pakistan has so far disappointed India and hope the country’s civil and military leadership would not be provoked in the days to come as well.

For the people of Pakistan, it’s important they should stay calm. Celebrate Indian Rafales’ downing, enjoy New Delhi’s frustration to make them more and more angry for more mistakes and more embarrassments.

We don’t need to become pawns in a propaganda war. Misinformation and emotional manipulation are tools being actively used by India to destabilise us internally. Let us not amplify India’s narrative by responding rashly or spreading unverified news.

Luck favours those who remain level-headed in moments of pressure. Let India become prey to the consequences of its own frustration and miscalculations. We, as a nation, must stay united, resolute and wise.