Analysts Warn of Growing Tensions After India’s Airstrike on Pakistani Territory
Rising Tensions Between India and Pakistan
On May 7, 2025, India launched airstrikes targeting six sites in Pakistan’s Punjab and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in 26 civilian casualties and over 40 injuries. The Pakistani response was swift, downing five Indian jets and destroying several Indian check posts. The military escalation has sparked widespread concerns about the potential for further violence, with analysts and diplomats expressing alarm over the real risks of escalation.
Mazhar Abbas: Victory for Pakistan in Diplomacy and Military
Senior analyst Mazhar Abbas believes Pakistan has come out on top, not just in military terms but also diplomatically. He praised the country’s response to India’s airstrikes, stating that Pakistan had not only defended itself militarily but also exposed India’s failures on the diplomatic and media fronts. Abbas made it clear that if India wants more conflict, Pakistan is ready.
Michael Kugelman: Real Risks of Escalation
Foreign policy expert Michael Kugelman pointed out that the scale of this conflict is much larger than what the world saw in 2019. He warned that both countries are now dangerously close to escalating the situation further. According to Kugelman, these two nuclear-armed nations are already higher up the escalation ladder, and the risk of more violence is real.
Jibran Nasir: Calling Out India for Violating International Laws
Human rights activist Jibran Nasir condemned India’s actions, accusing the country of violating international humanitarian laws by targeting civilians and religious sites. Nasir called out the Indian government for not providing evidence of Pakistan’s involvement in the Pahalgam attack, yet continuing to strike civilian areas in Pakistan. He stood firm on Pakistan’s right to defend itself.
Hina Rabbani Khar: India’s Impunity Exposed
Former diplomat Hina Rabbani Khar criticized India for acting with apparent impunity, repeatedly violating international laws without facing consequences. Khar stressed that Pakistan not only had the right to respond but also the capacity to do so effectively against India’s aggression.
Hamid Mir: India’s Strategy Backfires
Journalist Hamid Mir stated that India’s strategy had failed. He pointed out that India’s claims of targeting terrorist sites were contradicted by widespread footage showing civilians being attacked. Mir argued that Pakistan’s response was morally justified, as it targeted only military sites in India, not civilians.
Conclusion: Escalating Danger Ahead
As both countries continue their military actions, the risks of further escalation remain high. Analysts and diplomats agree that the situation is far from stable, and both nations must be careful not to push the conflict toward dangerous levels. The international community must step in to ensure peace and prevent more bloodshed.
