THE biggest winner in any war happens to be the international armament industry, with annual revenues estimated at $632 billion. That being so, the cessation of hostilities between two nuclear-armed neighbours, although temporary, should be welcomed. Actually, the cyclic eruption of crossfire needs to be tackled on a more permanent basis. With one-fifth of the global population living right here in the subcontinent — Pakistan, India and Bangladesh — regional peace and harmony should not be allowed to be taken hostage by the hegemonic aspirations and plans of hate-inspired Hindutva extremists, or, for that matter, followers of any religious fundamentalist ideology.

The manner in which the ceasefire was announced, however, was intriguing. Just 48 hours before the ceasefire decision was made public by the White House in Washington, the American vice-president had remarked on record that war between Pakistan and India was “none of our business”. What, then, happened in those 48 hours that made the critical matter an American business?

Clearly, India was being propped up and armed by the United States to be a regional counterweight to China. The Zionist Israel had its own agenda to promote riding on Indian shoulders. As soon as the myth of Western ammunition superiority and Indian capacity to handle advanced technology was shattered by Pakistani forces, the American tone changed. This is as simple as that.

Pakistan, however, cannot afford to be complacent. It has exhibited its ability to thwart expansionist designs of India. We must be prepared for the worst, given the animosity and hatred of Indian politics, led by Narendra Modi. The way to do that is by setting our own house in order, and focus on the economy. Making investments in human resource develop- ment, especially in the domain of science and technology, will be of critical value in this regard.

Also, Pakistan will need to restore the sanctity of the sterile zone along its border with India by putting a definite halt to the construction of farm houses and housing societies in all such areas. This will ensure the smooth movement of military equipment in times of need.

Malik Tariq Ali
Lahore

Published in Dawn, May 13th, 2025