Kasuri claims India had planned air strikes in Pakistan after Mumbai attacks

E-Paper | March 07, 2026

Former foreign minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri has revealed that India planned to launch air strikes on Pakistani soil following the 2008 Mumbai attacks in order to target the banned militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jamaatud Dawa (JuD), India Today reported.

Talking to host Karan Thapar on India Today television, Kasuri said that a United States (US) delegation led by Senator John McCain had met him after the terror attacks expressing concern that India may carry out surgical air strikes to target LeT and JuD in Punjab's Muridke town.

Speaking to Thapar on 'To The Point' programme before the launch of his book ‘Neither A Hawk, Nor A Dove’ in India, Kasuri quoted McCain as saying: "We have come from India where there is a lot of anger. Supposing there is limited strike on Muridke, the headquarters of JuD."

Kasuri said the delegation which visited him in Lahore, comprised Republican Senator Lindsey Graham and US special envoy on Afghanistan and Pakistan Richard Holbrooke.

The former foreign minister states that he told McCain that Pakistan Army would give a "measured" response in case of a strike inside its territory.

He asked the delegation to ask Pentagon to communicate with the Pakistan Army directly.

Kasuri, whose book titled 'Neither a Hawk nor a Dove' was launched in Pakistan last month and arrangements are underway for its launch in India on Oct 7, also said that Pakistan Army and Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) were supportive of a treaty of peace, friendship and security between India and Pakistan.

"We didn't want borders to divide territories. We looked at the interest of Kashmiris, Kashmiris wanted demilitarisation," Kasuri said during the interview.

He claimed that the Sir Creek agreement was decided and only needed to be signed. On the issue of Siachen, he says that India had accepted Pakistan's proposal and an in-principle deal was in sight.

Kasuri's book contains an insider account on developments on the Kashmir issue and details regarding backchannel negotiations on Kashmir and the peace process from 2002 to 2007.

Kasuri has updated the book to early 2015, including the advent of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in India and has analysed the situation regarding latest developments in India, Afghanistan and on Pakistan-US relations based on his experience of dealing with these countries as a foreign minister.

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Comentary

Oct 06, 2015 03:28pm

Marketing. If India would have decided, they would have. That was never the plan.

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Pakistani

Oct 06, 2015 03:31pm

India must have got the message from USA not to attack, otherwise retaliation would be equal as received.

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Sheraz

Oct 06, 2015 03:32pm

Dear Indian brothers and sisters, Pakistan is not Burma or Nepal who totally rely on India and stuff made by India for them. Pakistan got an Army and even a limited strike from Indian Army will open a door of no return for both nations. So better stay inside your Border and respect the sovereignty of independent nation.

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Angry Pitbull

Oct 06, 2015 03:32pm

I think pakistan election date is not far away

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Singh

Oct 06, 2015 03:36pm

I know this is true. Kasuri is not lying.

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tamil

Oct 06, 2015 03:38pm

"We didn't want borders to divide territories. We looked at the interest of Kashmiris, Kashmiris wanted demilitarisation," Kasuri said during the interview. India will go the way of Afghanistan if we demilitarize our borders

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Khan Gee

Oct 06, 2015 03:39pm

Just selling his book

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dipak

Oct 06, 2015 03:40pm

matured indian leadership did not attack but success in isolating country by showing the facts proofs dosiers to the entire world and now we see the result..now world has started respecting india and invest in india. on otherside we dont know.

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Rashid Ishaq

Oct 06, 2015 03:40pm

I am sure India will not dare to do it even if USA and West backs and encourage India to launch air strikes in Pakistan territory. Because they know the time has changed and we are nuclear power now.

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original realist

Oct 06, 2015 03:43pm

@Sheraz Sovereignty comes with responsibility of not allowing own territory be used for terrorism

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Asif

Oct 06, 2015 03:44pm

I don't think Indian government is stupid to authorize any such direct attacks. . They will continue to fund anti-Pakistan terrorist organisation and that's the only way they can counter attack.

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Hammad Haider

Oct 06, 2015 03:44pm

@Comentary Really? As if Pakistan's armed forces is there for nothing. India can never even do it.

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Murthy

Oct 06, 2015 03:44pm

Some sensational news is required for promoting the book. I think he may or may not be true as regards Mumbai attacks, but I am sure that if there is another Mumbay type attack, what he says would become true

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Anup

Oct 06, 2015 03:45pm

@Pakistani , India should not attack any other sovereign country but an independent also should not allow it's land to be used against India. Unfortunately Pakistan has not grown out of security dimension and will not grow to give to establish long lasting relations with it's neighbors. So, wait for a proper opportunity to connect back.

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lafanga

Oct 06, 2015 03:46pm

Indians knew it then, know it now and also know it for future that any limited, short or long strike inside Pakistan will receive a very nasty reply from the Pakistan army which will escalate into a full blown war which neither country can afford. Kasuri is out selling his book in India so he wants to create the hype.

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zubair

Oct 06, 2015 03:48pm

@Radha krishna now or ever if someone try to be adventurous the answer from Pak Army will be , befitted and with full force.

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Befree

Oct 06, 2015 03:51pm

Manmohan was a weak and an old man. While the PM himself has no say in the congress party. Sonia Gandhi, being a foreigner didn't know much. UPA was a total disaster. India therefore, was left to bleed. Every single organization and individual involved had been banned by UN, David Headly revealed every thing in front of FBI.

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Sudhanshu Swami

Oct 06, 2015 03:51pm

Who will listen Kasuri when Zaid Hamid is back.

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Real Zak

Oct 06, 2015 03:52pm

Look at what decades of US military strikes have achieved , nothing, in fact situation is more worse than ever ,only waste of money and innocent lives, terrorists cannot be decimated by air strikes alone, it needs long term planning and ground realities have to be understood and resolved , like Kashmir issue for India and population,poverty,education,health and others for Pakistan.

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Nisar

Oct 06, 2015 03:57pm

War is not the answer, both countries would suffer immensely, there may be issue and disagreements, which can all be resolved with sound mind, and realistic discussions.

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ilyas kashmiri

Oct 06, 2015 03:57pm

We didn't want borders to divide territories. We looked at the interest of Kashmiris, Kashmiris wanted demilitarisation," Kasuri said during the interview. Pakistan is looking at its own interests and does not care a dime about Kashmiris,

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Umar

Oct 06, 2015 03:58pm

I believe the fear of war prevents the war from starting, although one side can start the war unilaterally however it takes both sides to end it, so any decision to strike would quickly flare into a full fletch war. What India does not realise is that Pakistan is not going to take any attack on its territory lightly, and though I agree India is economically and militarily very strong but by attacking Pakistan they are brining the fight home. They are not like USA who can hit any country without the concern of any escalation as they don't share border, India firstly is not USA, secondly they share a long border which can be infiltrated, thirdly there is a separation movement in Kashmir, which can be converted into an armed struggle, and lastly Pakistan army is very strong as well and they are war toughened soldiers. I think it is in the interest of both countries to sit down and sort out their differences through negotiation rather than upping Cowboys antics.

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original realist

Oct 06, 2015 04:00pm

He asked the delegation to ask Pentagon to communicate with the Pakistan Army 'directly'.

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M. Jan

Oct 06, 2015 04:15pm

It would be very irrational for India to indulge in such a folly considering its desire to be seen as a stable and peaceful place for international investments. India lacks the power to overwhelm Pakistan and will face certain retaliation. International investors will be reluctant to expand their businesses in a country that is good at provoking a conflict but unable to stop retaliatory measures.

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Jeevan

Oct 06, 2015 04:22pm

Why do they reveal secrets only when a book is to be released?

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Sabi

Oct 06, 2015 04:24pm

We are digging the hole we are in and are going down and down on our own. India doesn't have to do air strikes or anything. This is the sad reality.

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Moid

Oct 06, 2015 04:28pm

@Dipak You need help dear...Pakistan is now a nuclear state... We are not Syria or Burma or Iraq...

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anonymous

Oct 06, 2015 04:34pm

Not only after Mumbai attacks,,, India on many occasions want to attack on Pakistan.......... Dialogue only option for both countries

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Oct 06, 2015 04:35pm

@Sheraz - Well said, They only want to see the one side of the picture, someone should made them realize their terror activity in Pakistan

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Rajeev Velagapudi

Oct 06, 2015 04:39pm

Who can stop India if it wants to go ahead? 2nd largest in population, 3rd biggest in army, 4th largest economy.....etc

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WiseMan

Oct 06, 2015 04:41pm

Manmohan Singh Government just planned, never executed the plans. Current Modi's Government will execute the plans and will really strike the targets in Pakistan.

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Abhishek

Oct 06, 2015 04:42pm

India does not have to do anything. India strategy is just wait and watch. As other countries are moving their money out of Pakistan where only China is investing Pakistan is moving in Complete isolation. If we are not progressing we will not let India progress by propagating Kashmir issue internationally but this strategy is becoming Complete failure and will be continue to do so. One section wants peace with India but other section does not want peace. If Pakistan is in two minds then how peace talks will be successful?

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M. Siddique

Oct 06, 2015 04:43pm

Good thing India never did. It would have been sorry state of affairs. Last thing you want is a hot activity in South Asia.

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Sane Indian

Oct 06, 2015 04:45pm

@UMAR 100% Agree with you... Then who will control non-state actors.. USA..? Russia..? You can ride on non-state actors long time, we both tasting the such rides.. Consesness.

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Khwarezmi

Oct 06, 2015 04:50pm

India can never launch air strikes in Pakistan. They know the response from Pakistan would be massive. Again and again we see and read about the limitations of Indian "power" which ends at Wagah border. A future UNSC seat holder must not only represent a region of countries (which India do not) and must be able to transform the region to her economic, military or diplomatic might - something India do not have the capability to do. This is the price they will pay for the never ending Kashmir dispute.

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Lala

Oct 06, 2015 04:50pm

Kasuri picked the right time and write words to market his book in India. Indian folks are dreaming of such thing these days.

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sohail khan

Oct 06, 2015 04:51pm

Mr. Kasuri is trying to add salt and pepper to promote the sale of his book.

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citizen

Oct 06, 2015 04:52pm

Its war already , but on economic front... $4 tn economy target is no less than a war strategy .

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Pakistan

Oct 06, 2015 04:52pm

It is common knowledge. Why is Qasuri getting excited?

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Harmony-1

Oct 06, 2015 04:54pm

@Dipak - What "success in isolating country"? The world acknowledges our sacrifices in fighting terror. Whereas, this Indian government is working hard in making the world realise about its communal disintegration work - more damaging than our dossiers!

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Khwarezmi

Oct 06, 2015 04:54pm

@ilyas kashmiri We are ooking after our own interest INCLUDING Kashmirs. Had we not looked after Kashmirs interests then we could have just made LOC international border and had Indians do their thing in Kashmir. Instead we are holding our ground, even losing money from cross border trade. Atleast show some considerations!

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zahid

Oct 06, 2015 04:55pm

So... becoming a nuclear state was a good decision by Pakistan

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Pakistan

Oct 06, 2015 04:56pm

@Pakistani response would not have been equal. Otherwise Bharatis would have done it. It is the unequal response which has kept it in its place.

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JPP

Oct 06, 2015 05:04pm

@Rashid Ishaq India is far ahead of pak in defence sector : http://www.globalfirepower.com/countries-comparison-detail.asp?form=form&country1=india&country2=pakistan&Submit=COMPARE

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Gaz

Oct 06, 2015 05:08pm

What happened to the two Indian jets when they crossed the border in 1999 Kargil war. Shot down within seconds so no this would not be so simple.

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Arvind Ajimal

Oct 06, 2015 05:08pm

If I wrote a book and if I consider myself a person of huge reputation and clout ( regionally ) I would need to make some statements promoting my writings. So marketing, yes. Otherwise politically the right time for such disclosure was when Indian minister and security advisor made statements about surgical strikes and cold start doctrine, about 2 months back I think.

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Saad

Oct 06, 2015 05:09pm

These ministers have no conscience. They go with the flow, simple now he wanted to sell more copies of his book

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R.Kannan

Oct 06, 2015 05:10pm

A full exercise in marketing of the book. Manmohan Singh was an extremely weak PM with a great deal of affection for all things Pakistan. It was not surprising because he was born in Pakistan. In 2008, Indian papers were full of articles demanding why India was not carrying out surgical strikes but Dr Singh clearly vetoed the options. The stories about the settlement remain in the imagination of persons who are no longer in power. The so called understandings were nothing but a Pakistani proposal which called for an abject surrender on the Indian side. No Indian government, how so ever well disposed they may have been to Pakistan, could have accepted the proposals. So, the book is not credible.

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wshaikh

Oct 06, 2015 05:10pm

Just selling his book. Mr. Kasuri was a part of a dictator Gen. Musharraf who destroyed the peace and prosperity in Pakistan by joining the western war on terror. Gen. Musharraf kept his interest over national interest. I don't have any regard or respect for a person who supported Gen Musharraf.

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Guru

Oct 06, 2015 05:12pm

@Asif As long as there is acknowledgement that India is only countering (as in reacting to a provocation), it is OK.

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Pixell

Oct 06, 2015 05:21pm

Such claims more look like publicity stunt.

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khanm

Oct 06, 2015 05:22pm

@Comentary . Very arrogant and mistaken.

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khanm

Oct 06, 2015 05:24pm

@Radha Krishna. India tried it before and can try this again if it can.

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Zia

Oct 06, 2015 05:25pm

To this day I don't understand how could Musharraf make this man as foreign minister but then Musharraf made quite a few mistakes. He is just trying to make money as no one would even bother to negate him. Whatever he says is history and everyone knows it.

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Raju

Oct 06, 2015 05:27pm

Do not create angers among Indo-Pak citizens. India in one side making huge effort of industrial revolution and on other side Pak just seeing Chinese support. Stop Chinese in your land. with available man power you can create developed Pak in 25 years.

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genghis khan india

Oct 06, 2015 05:30pm

@Khwarezmi We don't give a damn. We will get a UN security council seat. if china can so can India.

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Sarawan Raghwan

Oct 06, 2015 05:38pm

He wants to sell his book.............................that's all!

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Mango Muncher

Oct 06, 2015 05:53pm

People will say anything to sell their book.

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East Indian

Oct 06, 2015 05:56pm

I think every option must been on table and weighed upon by its pros and cons. Then the wise decision must came out, which is to isolate pakistan and not to talk with pakistan until mumbai culprits brought to justice

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Mohan Kishore D

Oct 06, 2015 05:59pm

now time and government is changed, now the things will not be similar compared to 2008.

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Abdulla Hussain

Oct 06, 2015 06:00pm

Luck favoured them into deciding to cancel the idea otherwise they would have got the bitter most taste of life, a real nightmare.

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lafanga

Oct 06, 2015 06:17pm

@genghis khan india "We don't give a damn. We will get a UN security council seat. if china can so can India." First of all India is not China. There is a 50 year gap in the two. Secondly give me one good reason why the current P5 would like to change the makeup of the UNSC? You do know that all P5 members must vote in favour of any change and none of them are willing to cast a vote. Get a hint.

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Inditramp

Oct 06, 2015 06:29pm

He was the best foreign minister of Pakistan. India and Pakistan had done a fabulous job of solving all the outstanding matters upto 90%.But then Mumbai attack derailed everything. If political will is there all the issues can be sorted.

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Gurpreet Singh Sabharwal (USA)

Oct 06, 2015 06:30pm

@lafanga : You are misinformed. US, UK, France & Russia have already expressed support for India's UNSC bid. China has expressed conditional support as it wants India to withdraw its support for Japan's bid which India has so far refused to do as a G4 country.

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Dr,Sadaf

Oct 06, 2015 06:35pm

Surgical strikes, really did they think that they were attacking Somalia, radars are not sleeping I hope they know that.

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Sai

Oct 06, 2015 06:38pm

There are several ways to respond to an external threat (which the Mumbai attacks were). Of course one of the way was to have surgical strikes. But there are other ways too. The way which India took was extremely intelligent one.

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Inditramp

Oct 06, 2015 06:42pm

We dont challenge Pakistan's sovereignity.But have every right to protect out sovereignity.India wanted to hit the terrorists camp.But you say there are no terrorist camps so why worry.

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Riz

Oct 06, 2015 06:55pm

Most of the Indian plans stayed as plan and never get executed because they know the strength of Pakistani Forces.

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gerry dcunha

Oct 06, 2015 07:03pm

this is a made up story,India is fully aware not to commit such idiotic foolishness with Pakistan or even think of committing such act on Pakistan s soil

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faridullah

Oct 06, 2015 07:06pm

In case India strikes first, Pakistan has right for first nuclear strike.

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Javed Iqbal

Oct 06, 2015 07:11pm

@dipak What do you mean by Isolating? Is there any country in the world that has broken its diplomatic relations with Pakistan in the wake of Mumbai attacks? As far as I know even India has not done this so far.

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SPICY KASURI METHI

Oct 06, 2015 07:13pm

I am sure his book will make millions in India now. He will buy houses in Dubai and London and live happily ever after.

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Syed Ali

Oct 06, 2015 07:16pm

@M. Jan It is the utmost responsibility of any country to protect the lives of its citizens; it depends who the other side is. Pakistan let go from drone attacks to abbotabad, because otherside was too powerful. Any future war with India will carry terrible cost in terms of human lives for both sides, just the size of India in every respect tells who the winner would be.

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Azhar Hussain

Oct 06, 2015 07:18pm

@original " Sovereignty comes with responsibility of not allowing own territory be used for terrorism" Did you listen to Modi's speech in Dhaka, when he admitted that India was and did help Mukti Banni in 1971? India is interfering in the affairs of all its neighbours, latest victim is Nepal.

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Zack-Pakistani

Oct 06, 2015 07:19pm

@Rajeev Velagapudi When America attached Vietnam it had same mentality....when Russian Army walked into Afghanistan they had same mentality. Afghanistan became deathbed for Russian Army, and the cause of fall of Russian Empire!!! Yes, we are small, but it won't be bed of roses!!!

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Jatinder

Oct 06, 2015 07:21pm

@Riz Pakistan will benifit a lot. I salute your Army and respect you as a Pakistani AND I expect the same from you. Partition has resulted in many issues and only development on both sides will make us resolve such issues. As far as Kashmir is concerned , paradise has been turned into a Hell Hole. Pakistan is not a benefactor of Kashmiris but is looking at its strategic interest "WATER".

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Kamlesh

Oct 06, 2015 07:22pm

@Khwarezmi i think your thinking capability is limited to kasmir. Ok we are nothing in front of you ,then what stops you from taking kashmir?

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Indian

Oct 06, 2015 07:24pm

@Rashid Ishaq : do you think Pakistan would do whatever want to do because it has nuclear weapons? There are limits for everything.

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prateek

Oct 06, 2015 07:30pm

Looks like Kasuri released the book in India for commercial reasons.

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Javed Iqbal

Oct 06, 2015 07:36pm

@Gurpreet Singh Sabharwal (USA) It will take India around 10 years to get to UNSC at 7 to 8 percent potential annual growth rate, which looks unfeasible at this point of time, Keeping in view the internal quarrels over economic reforms, disturbance in various provinces and the volume of debts. Germany, Brazil and Japan are more promising contester in this game.

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AKNasser

Oct 06, 2015 07:43pm

Author of any book will go to any length to promote his book, Kasuri is no different. Where else any one read this book - Pakistan & India, that too probably less than 0.1% of the population.

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anonymous

Oct 06, 2015 08:00pm

@Javed Iqbal :: 10 years ago you would have spoken equally negative about India's economic progress. Your views will only remain your views, keeping you happy in the mean time before the actual results. Countries that relentlessly work towards a goal never fail, and India just appears to be doing that.

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M.Saeed

Oct 06, 2015 08:01pm

Pakistan was already a nuclear power in 2008 and things could have exploded irreversibly. Even today as a Pakistani, I would like India and Pakistan to join heads and hands rather than engaging horns to jointly tackle terror. Even if Hafiz Saeed or Lakhvi were involved in 26/11, they are very much there to be properly prosecuted with joint efforts under at-ease environments.

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hassan

Oct 06, 2015 08:03pm

Many people here have commented that india didn't conducted a surgical strike because of Pakistan's nuclear capability. I think Nuclear threat is not valid in such limited escalations. However our conventional capability of surgical response is far better than India. e.g some of the indeginous weapons which are available at the disposal of Pakistan forces for surgical response are Raad air launced cruise missile range 350 kms, H4 glide bombs range 120 kms, Babur cruise missile range 750 kms and different other missiles with ranges upto 2500 kms.

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Zak

Oct 06, 2015 08:14pm

@East Indian great idea. Other than Kashmir, for which third party should be involved as mediator, both countries should sign a 100 year ' no contact with each other agreement'. For us it's CPEC and westward.

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asdf

Oct 06, 2015 08:17pm

Indians should Stop crying about supporting terror in india.first you broke our coyntry by supporting terror in east Pakistan. You r the one who introduced this desease in southasia.its not easy to undo it.we can only pray for change in indian mind set

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N.Sid

Oct 06, 2015 08:19pm

A lot of people believe Mumbai attacks to be an 'Inside Job' and a 'False Flag'. India, US, Israel are pioneers and experts in these kind of operations. Check this out, the DAWN report. http://www.dawn.com/news/1028989

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awais

Oct 06, 2015 08:22pm

@ Angry Pitbull I have never seen any anti indian propaganda before elections in Pakistan. Not even religious parties do that. Its on your end where every political party starts its campaign with Pakistan.

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Maxx

Oct 06, 2015 08:28pm

What did Pakistan got from the Mumbai attacks...and what did India got. Ponder about it and you'll know who is behind these attacks. Read some independent, neutral reports and read S.M Mushrif book titled "who killed Karkare, the real face of terrorism in India". At least read the synopsis through Google search.

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Ish

Oct 06, 2015 08:32pm

@Singh What was it that held you back from carrying out your so called surgical strike?

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Rao

Oct 06, 2015 08:35pm

That was indecisive Congress regime, which didn't try cross border attack even with Myanmar. Modi govt. response will be entirely different.

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Uday Kulkarni

Oct 06, 2015 08:35pm

@Zack-Pakistani Mr Zack, please do not get Paranoid as India has no plans to attack Pakistan. NAMO has single minded goal and that is to grow India as fast as possible and develop India. The Indian PM is working very very hard in persuit of that single goal. So don't worry. Just focus on your internal growth of Pakistan. Cheers

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Ashfaq Ahmed

Oct 06, 2015 08:46pm

@Rajeev Velagapudi All that may be true, but what a foolish thought. A war between India and Pakistan means that both the countries would go back hundreds of years and how many people will die.

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anonymous

Oct 06, 2015 08:52pm

@Uday Kulkarni :: If only more and more people in Pakistan knew this, they would begin to trust India. Their perception of PM Modi is entirely wrong. PM Modi would be very happy to see Pakistan working very closely with India on the economic front.

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khalid

Oct 06, 2015 08:57pm

india and Pakistan must make peace , good for both, mutual destruction is not a good idea.

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Ravi Vancouver

Oct 06, 2015 09:03pm

@Sheraz Indian politics is much more mature to be guided by mere emotions. India is more concerned about development and economy Kashmir is just one irritant in relations with Pakistan, this issue is not even of much importance in local politics. Pakistan should also consider concentrating on development and security of country and its people.

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Ajay

Oct 06, 2015 09:11pm

Indian personnel has already refuted this claim.

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Zak

Oct 06, 2015 09:12pm

@tamil then you are an insecure nation held togather by force. Kashmiris are peaceful and just want foreign indian invaders to leave their country.

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independentthinker

Oct 06, 2015 09:32pm

Pakistan is not Iraq, Afghanistan or Syria - I am sure India was not serious. They can plan all they want - just don't put your plan in action, as this would surely lead us to world war three!

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Gurpreet Singh Sabharwal (USA)

Oct 06, 2015 09:32pm

@Javed Iqbal : Frankly, I have no idea how long it will take for India to get the UNSC seat. Actually out of all the G4 countries (India, Germany, Japan & Brazil), India enjoys most global support as more than 86 countries have already expressed support for India's bid. As far as economic growth & external debt are concerned, in those departments too India is doing better than their G4 allies.

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Akram

Oct 06, 2015 10:12pm

So, what stopped you from attacking?

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Zak

Oct 06, 2015 10:21pm

@lafanga besides india itself has violated the UN resolution on kashmir, so a violator cannot be a caretaker. End of story.

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Zak

Oct 06, 2015 10:24pm

@Gurpreet Singh Sabharwal (USA) in debt department, india is the second most indebted country in the world after Greece. Modi's has consistently wanted to downgrade india 's rating but US has been preventing it.

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Nadeem, USA

Oct 06, 2015 10:31pm

@ Angry Pitbull, elections will be in 2017, not that close. Our politicians never use India card, they use other tactics to win elections.

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John, USA

Oct 06, 2015 10:40pm

If India strikes, Pakistan reserves the right to retaliate in shape of nuclear attack or conventional.

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Javed Iqbal

Oct 06, 2015 10:48pm

@Gurpreet Singh Sabharwal (USA) How can you compare a poverty-stricken country like India with wealth-laden countries like Japan and Germany ? Has changed the plight of 25% of Indians who are forced to pass their nights on foot paths. What would you say about kids sitting in front of Restaurants to pounce on the left over food by customers? India is also finding ways to get the Iranian debt rescheduled . These are in no way the indicators of a prosperous economy.

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sarwar, USA

Oct 06, 2015 10:49pm

India's external debt rose 6.6 % during the financial year ending March 2015 to $ $475.8 billion, a Reserve Bank of India release said(Economic Times). Go to war or pay debt???

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Hamza

Oct 06, 2015 11:01pm

@Rajeev Velagapudi if Pakistan had so many people too then Pakistan would be all that too if not better. And that goes for any country with more then a billion people. You really havent achieved anything.

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Sonny Afridi

Oct 06, 2015 11:13pm

They can have planned whatever they want. They lack the guts to try any of it though, knowing full well what the consequences would be.

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Sonny Afridi

Oct 06, 2015 11:19pm

@Befree nope China vetoed said action

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Jalbani Baloch

Oct 06, 2015 11:42pm

If India had mistakenly dared to undertake surgical strikes in Pakistan, the measured action by Pakistan would have been out of proportion inflicting heavy damages to India beyond its the imagination. Never underestimate Pakistan, and its wish to live in peaceful coexistence with its neighbors, if compelled, Pakistan will fight back fiercely and revengefully to teach a lesson to India of its defeat in 1971. Think thousand times before striking Pakistan.

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Riya

Oct 06, 2015 11:51pm

War should be the last option

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Oct 06, 2015 11:57pm

@WiseMan WiseMan you don't sound so wise. God forbid if this happens both the country would return to Stone Age . India will have more to lose than Pakistan. Unfortunately it's no more 1965 or 1971.

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Zak

Oct 07, 2015 12:28am

@M.Saeed don't forget colonel rohit, Assmunder in samjota express, both roaming around freely. Kashmir is the key to changing things over night. After that not a single blast will take place in either country.

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goodDeedsLeadTo

Oct 07, 2015 12:28am

Based on Raheel Shareef's performance, I have no doubt Raheel Shareef is fully prepared to meet Indian aggression. He is ahead of them in this game, and India will find it, if it tries to be adventurous. I don't think it will, because India knows the consequences. Pakistan is already prepared specially because of their killing of civilians on the border & so many attacks on LOC.

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Raj

Oct 07, 2015 12:56am

By looking at comments made each Pakistanis, they are proud of nuclear weapons, which they will never able to use.

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Secular

Oct 07, 2015 01:45am

Okay , let's say that India is not capable of striking inside someones territory. But , the whole point here is about the Pakistan army which the people here are boasting about. It is the real evil cause for the Pakistan failed economy. If the army was equal to what the people are thumping about it. How did USA manage to strike air drone attacks? You have already lost it, how much compromise can you and your thumping army make on other country striking on your territory. So the lion power is only against India not on global front. Stop thinking about India or any other country as a matter of fact to be your core breathing central agenda. It must be replaced with more sensible issues with the former being 2nd ,3rd priority on the list.

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Oct 07, 2015 02:49am

@Moid So what if Pakistan or India are nuclear. Russia is nuclear and see what happened to this country... still struggling. sir.

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Riaz Murtaza

Oct 07, 2015 02:52am

I remember very well read in Times of India that the Mumbai attacks were planned by India itself. This was disclosed by an Indian intelligence officer who was investigating on the Nov.11 attacks.

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Oct 07, 2015 02:54am

@Gaz Fine but what happened ultimately with both countries... waste of the monetary resources...defence industries making money and both countries still begging for funds such as Bonds etc. from foreign countries investors. We need peace in subcontinent and good trade and cultural relations... and not war sir.

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Oct 07, 2015 02:57am

@Moid You were nuclear state during Kargil too. Remember 4th July Visit of NS to US? So despite having them it is hard to use them and I say this because Pakistan tried using them twice already and was stopped in tracks by US. The day you go ahead and use it, India might suffer a little but the if would be very bad for Pakistan, not because India needs to retaliate but because you would be an isolated country with all possible economic sanctions on you just like Iran had it on them or Russia. It brought them to their Knees in few years. Today Iran wants to sign a nuclear deal so that those sanctions can be lifted and Russia is talking to US again to lift the economic sanctions. So think about it because your 80% of your country lives on $1.25 per day, so don't try to be jingoistic but think of consequences, which unfortunately in your country no one does.

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Oct 07, 2015 03:02am

@Sheraz Yes both countries need to refrain form going into war. I know political leaderships of both countries are trying... but if you look at the history of both countries one would find who had stated the war... not India. I hope Pakistan doesn't to it again.

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Oct 07, 2015 03:07am

@Javed Iqbal For your info...based on UNDP India is expected to be in 7.5 percent.

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Oct 07, 2015 03:10am

@WiseMan I hope this will not happen since it is not good for both countries.

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Oct 07, 2015 03:13am

@Javed Iqbal Economic well being has little to do with UNSC seat. When China became the UNSC permanent member they were not rich. You are mistaken.

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Oct 07, 2015 03:25am

@Javed Iqbal Isn't that happening in Pakistan too. That is the reason both countries cannot effort to go to war.

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aga khan

Oct 07, 2015 03:25am

@Singh: Were you in any planning meeting on the either side. If so write a book, will be best seller in India and Pakistan. Both country men love and live with such gossips.

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aga khan

Oct 07, 2015 03:30am

@original realist; This sentence alone tell that he is "fabricating" the story to sell his book. Why he could NOT directly tell the boys himself - he was the FOREIGN minister - and not a 'Ghasiyara'. Or may be, he NOT had any credit with GHQ.

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rarun

Oct 07, 2015 03:56am

So India decided to attack. But it sensibly sent a US delegation to measure Pakistan's response. Surprisingly and unexpectedly Pakistan said it would retaliate if attacked. Given this hitherto unpredicted response, India shelved this plan. Makes sense doesn't it....!

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Azhar

Oct 07, 2015 05:06am

Many of my friends are saying it is a stunt to sell his book by Kusari. I assure you that was the case, not one but two surgical attacks were planned. If you publish my comments, i want to learn any denial from Indian top Miltary brass. Of course, within 10 minutes Indian would have flown back. It is more telling than a News. Is Indian side can blind fold Pakistan redar system. Very likly.

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Azhar

Oct 07, 2015 05:10am

@goodDeedsLeadTo , Pakistan will be isolated if we could not put our house in order. These Mullah have no right to attack a sovereign nation. What they have achieved? Let assume there is war? would anyone of you support?

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Baloch

Oct 07, 2015 05:20am

Indian foreign affairs a mess with issues and interference with Nepal, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, China etc. They need to have people in foreign affairs with understanding of these countries than relying on intelligence. Any aggressive act by India will result in nuclear holocaust. It's surprising how much work been done in past for peace, where are those peacemakers probably they can restart the dead wagon. Probably India want escalation of tension to keep their military up-to-date, otherwise they cannot justify 100 billion just on aircrafts which are falling down from sky on daily basis. German chancellor is in India, probably Modi need to order some 50 billion Dollar worth of German hardware. Better advice will be to order just one billion dollar worth of German toilets, shoes for children, machines to clear Indian rivers rom dead bodies and pollution etc. Pakistan is busy in making short -long range nuclear incinerators. India's time is running out for peace.

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Narinder Dogra

Oct 07, 2015 06:01am

@AKNasser Agreed

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Pankaj

Oct 07, 2015 06:49am

@Sheraz What kind of Sovereignty you are taking about where US willing did drone strikes on your terrorists including innocent citizens!

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Aussie

Oct 07, 2015 06:58am

then why india didnt attack?

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Dervaish

Oct 07, 2015 07:37am

This could be true. That time was very bad for Pakistan which was bewildered by the presence of NATO forces in Afghanistan. Pakistan always suspected US behind the Indian hostility towards Pakistan.

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Rish

Oct 07, 2015 08:03am

@Aussie "then why india didnt attack?" By the time the Indian Army could mobilize, international pressure had been brought to bear on the Government of India to let it slide. Unlike Pakistan, the Army cannot ignore the PM, so a far greater war was averted. This is the common theme with India. It will give up 'feel-good' moves in exchange for raising its stature in the International community. It thinks long-term. Can you imagine how much restraint it took to not shell Pakistani positions during the Kargil war even when two airplanes were shot down by Pakistan? India does a cost-benefit analysis before starting anything. Maybe Pakistan should start looking long term too. BTW, I don't know why this article showed up now. I have seen videos of his interview about this several months ago...

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Kalashnikov

Oct 07, 2015 08:03am

@Riaz Murtaza and he is the source of all truth so everyone else must be lying .amazing conspiracy theories and denial at all facts

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Kalashnikov

Oct 07, 2015 08:22am

@Rashid Ishaq do you really think Pakistan can fire a nuclear weapon easily ? Odds are the weapon would either be intercepted and worse it could even explode within its borders. The nuclear myth is a big bust and you will see that there is no security to hide behind it. If it explodes you lose if it does not explode you lose so no one plays to lose.

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Sri

Oct 07, 2015 08:29am

It is sad how the readers from Pakistan are feeling proud of the fact that India did not dare carry on the attacks,instead of feeling sorry and ashamed that their country was responsible for the Mumbai attacks with solid proof laid out in front of them and the world.Me as Indian would feel ashamed of myself if any such proof is laid out against India.But then it should be solid proof, like in case of the Mumbai attacks, not vague accusations.

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Prakash

Oct 07, 2015 08:34am

A common Pakistani should think whether he/she got employment opportunities or good institutions to study or adequate infrastructure to do business. If you haven't, then demand these things from your politicians and politicians have an obligatory responsibility to provide what citisens need. Time is running, why should you sacrifice your future. Don't let these bogus emotions get away the day to day problems you face.

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ahk

Oct 07, 2015 09:04am

Nothing new. India keeps planning such activities-but they dont have the guts to carry out anything except target border villages or in historical perspective-clumsily react to our adventures.......!

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Hameed

Oct 07, 2015 09:07am

They should have done that to bring people back to their senses. Harboring such groups in Pakistan is irresponsible. I am a U.S. citizen who has not visited South Asia since 1986.

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Burjor

Oct 07, 2015 09:34am

@WiseMan . Never think about war my friend .

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Javed Iqbal

Oct 07, 2015 09:58am

@LS Sorry to say, you are mistaken. Now economic stability and well-being are prerequisite for a country to be taken into consideration for UNSC.

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Burjor

Oct 07, 2015 10:02am

When a man has wealth and power, he most likely wishes to be in the limelight. Pakistani power elite have the same ego problem, they want and do get attention from the media. There is nothing really more to this.

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Eragon

Oct 07, 2015 10:16am

Ok so US is allowed to strike in pakistan when and where they want bcoz they pay them...this does not affect its sovereignty...but when India thinks so its completely ready for a nuclear strike...

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rana amir

Oct 07, 2015 10:41am

The only threat the India has Nuclear Arsenal Pakistan have otherwise it may attack during Zia rein and many other time even some months before during kashmir cross fire he tested as he did during 1971 for separating Kashmir, But could not do as the counter devastation was so huge that he could not sustain the injuries of war

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Muhammad Ansari

Oct 07, 2015 11:26am

@Moid Nuclear power or not. Pakistan is well on its way to self destruction. The rest of the world does not need to lift a finger. Just wait and watch. That is good enough.

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rehan

Oct 07, 2015 12:26pm

I do not think India would prefer this option. Indians prefer devious methods so what we can expect from Indians is their support of terrorists and separatists inside Pakistan.

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Azmat Ali

Oct 07, 2015 09:20pm

@Rajeev Velagapudi: Wars are not stopped. They are responded to. I keep saying this repeatedly: given the very nature of emotions and sensibilities between the Pak India (non)relationship, the spectre of a nuclear war is a real one, in the event either party starts a war. This is especially true in the case if India attacks Pakistan, given that Pakistan cannot reach very far into India with its conventional warfare. With more than 200 warheads ready to be fired at each other in the SubContinent, the loss borne by the two nations would be immeasurable and, in my opinion, unfixable. The loss of some of the largest cities and most fertile lands will create a disaster that the world has yet not seen. Those at the helm of affairs, on both sides, absolutely understand this. Hence, the presence of the nuclear weapons are themselves the best reasons to stay away from military adventurism. The masses, on the other hand, can be manipulated to maintain an environment of aggression.

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Observer

Oct 08, 2015 07:50am

India and Pakistan both benefitted in there being a moderate nonvindictive Pakistan-born gentleman PM in India Dr Manmohan Singh in 2008. Current Indian PM Mr Narendra Modi is an ex-preacher of RSS. He is not like Dr Singh at all. No one in India wants a war with Pakistan, or any other country. 'Senario Contingency Planning' is a norm for all countries. Suppose for a moment, that someone in Pakistan launches nuclear attack on 50 cities in India, there is no doubt that India will repond in at least 25 cities in Pakistan.. within a very short time. No one wins. It would end civilisation n the subcontinent,

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Munir

Oct 08, 2015 08:18am

@Rashid Ishaq , Nuclear bombs are not saving Pakistan from self-destruction path. Pakistan is a failed state, economically bankrupt, morally shallow and spiritually blinded by Arabian tribal, restrictive, segregative and 'complexed'and Totally Intolerant belief. Let us talk in 10 years time, compare and contrast two countries.

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COL VINOD

Oct 08, 2015 10:46am

And the plan must have been abandoned on the request of Dilip Saheb to Atal ji.

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Indian truth

Oct 08, 2015 11:30am

all pak people have only one answer 'We are nuclear power now' and indians only have crackers

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Oct 09, 2015 01:51am

@LS Well said. No war but peace in subcontinent. Pray this happens.

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Dude1

Oct 09, 2015 06:14am

Kasuri is in market to sell his book. What is better story than war between India-Pakistan?

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