Anwaar Ahmed
IslamabadIkram34439@yahoo.com
After a sharp escalation between May 6 and 8, the already precarious peace between India and Pakistan is once again under extreme strain. With numerous civilian casualties and intentional disinformation fueling a hazardous regional narrative, what Indian media is portraying as a retaliatory strike against “terrorist hideouts” in Pakistan is actually a serious breach of Pakistani sovereignty and international law. Reliable Pakistani defence sources claim that the Indian Army carried out a clandestine operation known as Operation Sindoor in the early hours of May 6–7, hitting deep within Pakistani territory. At least 30 civilians were killed in the attack, which was not a targeted anti-terrorist operation. According to reports, sacred sites, residential areas, and mosques were specifically targeted, a balant disregard for International humanitarian norms and Geneva Conventions. Indian media, on the other hand, quickly spun the incident as a daring blow against terrorism, claiming that the operation was a retaliation to an April 22nd attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir. No credible evidence has emerged to this day to implicate Pakistan in that attack, and many observers point out that Pahalgam was a false-flag operation designed to create the public mood for cross-border chaos. The involvement of the Indian media in this crisis is highly troubling. Rather than insisting on transparency and accountability, many mainstream media outlets have reinforced state narratives, downplaying civilian casualties and portraying the incursion as a warranted reaction. This biased reporting stokes nationalistic zeal, increases distrust, and exacerbates the security dilemma in South Asia, complicating diplomatic efforts. In stark contrast, Pakistan’s reaction exhibited both determination and restraint. Defense experts have labeled it a historic achievement, as the Pakistan Air Force reportedly shot down five Indian aircraft during the incursion, which included three Rafale fighter jets— a platform previously hailed as revolutionary by Indian defense authorities. The PAF’s accuracy, strategy, and defense of its airspace represent a pivotal moment in the military history of the region. Compounding the situation, during the night of May 7th to 8th, India allegedly deployed a swarm of Harop drones intended for precise strikes—into Pakistani airspace. Once again, Pakistani defenses rose to the occasion, neutralizing around 25 of these drones through a mix of hard-kill (direct interception) and soft-kill (electronic warfare) tactics. Despite these aggressive actions, Pakistan’s response has remained defensive, unlike India’s offensive provocations. It is essential to highlight the perilous consequences of such escalations. Breaching another country’s sovereignty under the pretense of counterterrorism not only endangers the possibility of a full-scale conflict but also undermines international norms. Even more concerning is the media’s role in spreading misinformation—an involvement that, in this situation, jeopardizes regional stability. For peace to have any prospect, regional players must pledge to transparency, adhere to international law, and engage in diplomatic dialogue. Media organizations, particularly in democracies, must champion the truth and resist being drawn into war narratives. Only then can South Asia begin to emerge from the shadows of conflict and strive toward lasting peace.
