THE continuation of inflammatory war rhetoric on both sides of the border is a matter of serious concern, particularly when attempts are made to characterise a conflict between states in religious terms.

The condemnation of attacks allegedly perpetrated by terrorist organisations — allegedly, because India has yet to conduct an inquiry into the Pahalgam incident — by one and all has demonstrated that such acts of violence do not reflect the senti-ments of any religious community.

The historical coexistence of Hindus and Muslims within both nations, as well as their representation in their respective national military forces, further substan- tiates that this is not a religious conflict.

Amplifying these realities and the voices advocating for reason is essential to counteract the dangerous narratives of religious conflict and utopian aspirations of conquest. Furthermore, in 2021, Pakistan’s former army chief, Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa, had called for a stable relationship with India, pointing out that the unresolved disputes between the two nuclear-armed South Asian nations were impeding the region’s progress and relegating it to a state of poverty and underdevelopment. This region requires investment in human security.

Prioritising dialogue and peaceful resolution, as advocated by sane voices on both sides, constitutes the only viable path towards a future characterised by stability and prosperity for all. It is imperative that mainstream media amplify these calls for peace and understanding, thereby dimi-nishing the influence of extremist rhetoric that only serves to perpetuate conflict.

Anwar Sayab Khan
Bannu

Published in Dawn, June 13th, 2025