TRUTH is always the major casualty during conflicts and wars. Ever since the occurrence of terrorist incident in Pahalgam, India, without any substantive evidence and incriminating proof, started maligning Pakistan internationally through rhetoric and coercive statements. Pakistan demonstrated a prudent approach, offering an impartial probe into the heinous incident by independent agencies.

There is no denying that Pakistan exercised maximum restraint, militarily and diplomatically, despite Indian pro-vocations and intimidating tactics. But when push came to shove, Pakistan retaliated with force that shocked India, forcing a sudden change in the tone and tenor of the Indian government. The rest, as they say, is history.

That there was a barrage of fake news and hate-mongering from across the border was understandable. What came as a rude shock for most Pakistanis was the hostile social media posts from within the country.

Frankly, this should not have been surprising, considering the fact that the frenzied followers of the same cult had attacked army installations and personnel on May 9, 2023, just to get their cult leader freed from the clutches of law.

In the recent conflict, our brave soldiers and the high command gave a befitting reply not just to India; they also gave a fitting reply to the followers of the cult. The people of Pakistan, beyond doubt or debate, stood with their armed forces, facilitating them every inch of the way.

The victory against the enemy has ushered the nation into a new era of peace and propensity to steer the country out of its economic and political quagmire.

Maligning the armed forces for a specific agenda during an active war is something that only the said cult and its blinded followers can imagine doing. The bond between the people and the armed forces is as strong as it ever was.

Prof Sajjad Khattak
Attock

Published in Dawn, May 19th, 2025