Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has promised to respond to India’s recent airstrikes. These strikes happened early Wednesday in parts of Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. The world is now watching what Pakistan will do next. This decision could either calm the situation or make it worse.
What Caused the Latest Clashes?
On May 7, India confirmed it had launched military attacks in several areas of Pakistan. The Indian Defence Ministry said the operation was aimed at militant targets. The areas included parts of Pakistan-administered Kashmir and the province of Punjab. Pakistan’s military said the attacks caused damage, but details remain unclear.
Pakistan’s Response Options
There are now two main choices for Pakistan. Each path could lead to a different future for both countries.
Claiming a Victory
One option is for Pakistan to say it has already responded by shooting down Indian aircraft. Pakistan says it brought down five Indian Air Force planes, including three French-made Rafale fighter jets. If this claim is true, it may be enough for Pakistan to say it has answered India’s actions.
“Pakistan could claim victory by pointing to the downed assets,” said Milan Vaishnav from the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. He added that even if the full story is not clear, Pakistan could still say it has punished Indian forces.
A Military Strike in Return
Another option is for Pakistan to launch its own airstrikes. This would be a more direct and risky response. Some of India’s strikes hit the heavily populated Punjab region in Pakistan. That could pressure Pakistan to “respond in kind,” said Tanvi Madan from the Brookings Institution.
Pakistan’s military leader, General Syed Asim Munir, is said to be more aggressive than past army chiefs. In 2019, India and Pakistan had another clash. Experts believe General Munir may want to go further this time.
Still, Pakistan may be careful not to cross a line. India has warned that it will answer any further attacks with more force. So, Pakistan might try to keep its actions “below a certain threshold,” said Madan.
Military Targets Only?
Pakistan’s Defence Minister, Khawaja Asif, said Pakistan will not target civilians. He said only military sites in India would be attacked if Pakistan strikes back. This could be a sign that Pakistan wants to avoid a wider war.
Tanvi Madan noted that the latest statements from Pakistani officials suggest a more limited response is likely. But she warned that “no possibilities can be ruled out.”
A History of Caution
India and Pakistan have had many conflicts in the past. But both countries also understand the risks of a full-scale war. “These are two rational actors who don’t want a broader war,” Madan said. “Both have something to lose if there is a broader conflict.”
International Reactions
So far, the global community has called for calm. The United Nations and countries like the United States have urged both sides to avoid further military action. In 2019, a similar situation brought the two nuclear-armed neighbors close to war. Back then, international pressure helped prevent things from getting worse.
Experts believe the same might happen now. Strong global voices could push both countries to stop before it’s too late.
What’s at Stake?
A new war between India and Pakistan would affect millions of people. Both countries have nuclear weapons. Even a short war could have long-lasting effects on the region and the world. Trade, travel, and security in South Asia would all suffer.
Also, both India and Pakistan are facing economic troubles. A conflict would make things harder. It could hurt global markets and lead to more unrest at home.
