Examining the Conflict Zone: The Recent Indian Terror Incident from Pakistan's Perspective
- mmihpedit
- May 23
- 5 min read
Stephen Jang
Head of the South Asian Studies Association
Following the Russia-Ukraine war in 2022 and the Israel-Palestine (Hamas) conflict in 2023, localized clashes between India and Pakistan have recently intensified. Russia, a key actor in the post-World War II Cold War era, continues to wield considerable geopolitical influence, while the Israeli-Palestinian issue remains a global flashpoint. Similarly, the ongoing conflict between India and Pakistan, both nuclear-armed and densely populated, is rooted in historical and religious complexities that make escalation likely. The Kashmir region, entangled in ethnic and religious intricacies and of strategic importance, has remained a perennial hotspot for military and diplomatic tensions, akin to Ukraine and Palestine.
The advancement of technology, communications, and global trade has eroded national boundaries, transforming regional issues into international disputes with far-reaching consequences. The current India-Pakistan skirmish illustrates this dynamic, with countries such as Türkiye and Azerbaijan expressing support for Pakistan, prompting Indian citizens to cancel travel to Türkiye. This reflects a broader trend where localized conflicts escalate into global crises.
The April 22, 2025 mass shooting in Kashmir reignited bilateral tensions. Most media outlets have reported the incident from India’s perspective, portraying it as a victim of terrorism. This paper seeks to examine the conflict through the lens of Pakistan, the other primary actor, and to explore future directions and potential resolutions.
1. Historical Context and Root Causes of the Kashmir Conflict
The Kashmir conflict transcends a mere territorial dispute; it is a lingering historical tragedy following the 1947 British partition of India and Pakistan, encapsulating ethnic and religious strife. While the predominantly Muslim population of Kashmir favored accession to Pakistan, the region's Hindu ruler opted to join India, triggering immediate military confrontations. Since then, the two nations have fought three wars and numerous skirmishes over the territory.
From Pakistan’s viewpoint, the Kashmir issue symbolizes the suppression of Muslim communities and represents the right to self-determination for Kashmiris (Siddique, February 9, 2024). Citing UN Security Council resolutions, Pakistan has persistently advocated for a plebiscite allowing Kashmiris to determine their political future. However, India has rejected this, notably revoking Article 370 of its Constitution in 2019, effectively stripping Jammu and Kashmir of its autonomy. The subsequent amendment to the Jammu and Kashmir domicile law permitted non-residents to acquire government jobs and property rights, raising concerns of land speculation, unsustainable development, and demographic changes. Pakistan and the international community have condemned these developments as a form of colonial settlement, further provoking resistance among Kashmiris (Husain, May 1, 2025).
Consequently, Kashmir remains plagued by armed conflict, suppression, and human rights abuses. For Pakistan, the issue is not only political or religious but also a matter of humanitarian and moral responsibility.
2. Public Sentiment in Pakistan Regarding the Incident
In response to the recent terrorist attack in Indian-administered Kashmir, India promptly accused Pakistan of orchestrating the assault. Pakistan unequivocally condemned the violence while denying any involvement. Pakistani public opinion largely views India's accusation as baseless, serving domestic political agendas (Dawn Report, April 24, 2025).
During the height of military tensions, when both sides reportedly engaged in cross-border strikes, the Pakistani public displayed a blend of resilience and pragmatism. While patriotic sentiments surged, many civilians remained focused on daily survival, prioritizing livelihoods over fear.
Following a U.S.-mediated ceasefire, a sense of triumph emerged within Pakistan. Despite actual losses, the public celebrated the military’s alleged downing of five Indian fighter jets, including Rafales, and successful strikes on key Indian infrastructure. This perception fueled national pride, amplified by media coverage and public displays honoring the armed forces. The government, capitalizing on this sentiment, emphasized unity and national defense.
3. Practical Implications of a Potential Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty
Among India’s retaliatory threats, the suggestion of suspending the Indus Waters Treaty is particularly provocative. For Pakistan, the Indus River is vital, supporting irrigation, drinking water, and hydroelectric power in a predominantly arid landscape (Khadka, April 25, 2025).
While Pakistan receives limited water from the northern Gilgit-Baltistan region, over 80% of the Indus's volume originates in Indian-controlled Kashmir. Any reduction or blockage of this flow would severely impact Pakistan's agriculture, food security, and electricity generation, especially in the water-stressed southern provinces. Given existing challenges from climate change, the treaty's suspension poses a direct threat to Pakistan’s economy and national security (Husain, May 1, 2025).
Experts argue that India lacks the infrastructure to store or divert significant water volumes during the monsoon, but the dry season presents more serious risks. India has historically shared hydrological data with Pakistan for flood forecasting and water management. A cessation of this information sharing would exacerbate Pakistan's vulnerability, undermining its agricultural foundation and disaster preparedness.
Pakistan has declared any unilateral withdrawal from the treaty a “de facto act of war” (Khadka, April 25, 2025). Though international mediation has temporarily halted hostilities, India’s control over upstream water sources reinforces the perception that it is using water as a non-military weapon against Pakistan.
4. Political, Economic, and Religious Implications and Future Outlook
The current escalation has significantly influenced Pakistan's internal dynamics. Politically, there is bipartisan consensus on resisting Indian aggression and upholding national unity. The government has vowed to prioritize national interest and has readied its military forces. Diplomatically, Pakistan must overcome its persistent association with terrorism and restore its global credibility.
Economically, the heightened tensions have destabilized financial markets, depreciated the Pakistani rupee, and curtailed cross-border trade and tourism. Given Pakistan’s existing debt crisis and inflation, the unrest further burdens its fragile economy.
Religiously, there is growing solidarity within the Muslim community and criticism of India’s Hindu nationalist policies. Nonetheless, religious leaders in Pakistan caution against extremism, emphasizing that violence against civilians contradicts Islamic principles and advocating for peaceful political solutions.
While immediate diplomatic breakdowns may continue, long-term prospects for dialogue exist through sustained international pressure and mediation. However, actual Indian suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty could escalate the conflict beyond control.
5. Pakistan’s Perspective on Resolutions
To prevent prolonged conflict, Pakistan advocates for diplomatic resolution and international involvement. It has offered to cooperate with an impartial investigation into the terror attack, countering India’s narrative and promoting evidence-based discourse (Dawn.com, May 12, 2025).
Regarding the Indus Waters Treaty, Pakistan insists on its continuation, framing unilateral termination as a violation of international law. Islamabad has signaled potential legal recourse through arbitration and seeks to mobilize global opinion.
Most critically, Pakistan underscores the need for peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute. It continues to call for the implementation of UN resolutions that respect the Kashmiris’ right to self-determination. This stance, viewed as a pathway to regional peace, is widely shared across Pakistani society.
Looking forward, Pakistan is expected to intensify diplomatic engagement and focus on domestic security and economic recovery. The international community, recognizing the dangers of conflict between nuclear states, must facilitate genuine peace efforts.
6. Reflection and Prayer
Sensitive conflict zones often intertwine ethnicity, religion, and politics. Over generations, these factors create deeply entrenched divisions. Despite cultural and linguistic affinities, India and Pakistan have been locked in enmity, fueled by religious nationalism. When political actors exploit religion as a tool for identity politics, reconciliation becomes elusive.
The recurrence of violence leaves only cycles of vengeance. Historical precedent suggests few exits from this quagmire. Yet, the message of Jesus Christ offers a path to forgiveness and healing. It is our sincere hope that His love will bring restoration to these long-standing wounds.
Amid rising global conflicts, it is imperative to explore ministry approaches in these regions. The gospel of peace and the cross’s forgiveness must be shared by those willing to go.
References
Dawn Report. (April 24, 2025). Pakistan mulls response after India points the finger without proof. Dawn. https://www.dawn.com/news/1906220
Dawn.com. (May 12, 2025). India and Pakistan just stepped back from the brink of war. Here’s how it unfolded. Dawn. https://www.dawn.com/news/1910509
Husain, K. (May 1, 2025). Indus water wars. Dawn. https://www.dawn.com/news/1907677
Khadka, N. S. (April 25, 2025). Can India really stop river water from flowing into Pakistan? BBC. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cd7vjyezypqo
Siddique, I. (February 9, 2024). In the heart of solidarity: People of Kashmir have fought through years of oppression, barbarity and negation of their identity. Tribune. https://tribune.com.pk/story/2455844/in-the-heart-of-solidarity
