India Must Respond with Strategic Calm Instead of Anger.

May 09, 2025

Ishraq Ahmed Hashmi

After the Pahalgam incident and the recent clash between the armies of the two countries, Pakistan has proven to be stronger, more victorious and more tactically sound than India. The successful downing of Indian fighter jets, especially two Rafale jets, has dealt a huge blow to India’s political and defense establishment. Apparently, India is currently in a state of anxiety and is facing global embarrassment and is stuck in a dead end on the diplomatic front, and now it wants to upset Pakistan in return. But we should not fall into this trap. As the drone attacks and provocations from India are increasing, it is clear that India is inciting Pakistan to take a wrong step. It wants Pakistan to show an emotional reaction, so that India can change its narrative against Pakistan, boost its morale, and divert the attention of its people and the world from its defeat.

We need to understand that this is not the time to make a mistake by making a decision in emotion or anger. Pakistan should decide its response without provocation. Under its strategy so far, Pakistan has achieved significant successes. Now we need to consolidate these victories not only on the military but also on the diplomatic and psychological front. And for this purpose, patience, forbearance and above all, complete confidence in our strategy. When necessary, our leadership and armed forces should choose the right time, place and method to give a decisive response, which they have already announced. Reacting in emotion can prove to be harmful. But if patience and restraint are exercised strategically, it will benefit Pakistan. In the Indian air strike, the Pakistan Air Force shot down five of its aircraft, including three of the latest Rafale aircraft. After that, drone strikes were attempted, but Pakistan also shot down most of them. India is forcing Pakistan to react and make mistakes with its provocations in a state of frustration.

But Pakistan has disappointed India so far and it is expected that the country’s civil and military leadership will not be agitated in the coming days either. It is important for the people of Pakistan to remain calm. Let us celebrate the destruction of the Indian aircraft, enjoy India’s frustration so that it is prepared to make more mistakes and endure more embarrassment. We do not need to become pawns in India’s false propaganda war. Misinformation and emotional manipulation are the methods that India is using to destabilize us internally. We should not contribute to the spread of India’s narrative without showing haste and spreading unverified news. Fortune favors those who remain calm even under pressure. Let India suffer the consequences of its own frustration and misadventures. We must remain united, determined and wise as a nation.