Pakistan’s Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Attaullah Tarar, has declared that the country holds "the upper hand" following recent clashes with India. He described the situation as a "victory as visible as daylight," suggesting that Pakistan has gained a favorable position after the intense confrontations.
The tensions between India and Pakistan escalated last week, leading to a fragile ceasefire. Tarar credited former U.S. President Donald Trump for playing a crucial role in securing this truce. He expressed hope that Trump could facilitate discussions between the two nuclear-armed nations to address the long-standing conflict over Kashmir. "I think the U.S. president made it abundantly clear that he would like to resolve issues, including Kashmir," Tarar said.
However, the prospect of meaningful dialogue appears slim. Since 2016, India has rejected formal talks regarding Kashmir. In a recent address, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized that terrorism is the only issue he is willing to discuss with Pakistan. He insisted that Pakistan must dismantle its "terrorist infrastructure" to improve relations. Modi’s comments reflect a tough stance, especially after the truce announcement, which he felt was overshadowed by Trump.
Modi also warned that India’s military actions are merely on hold, stating, "We will retaliate on our own terms" in response to any terrorist attacks. He assured the nation that India would closely monitor Pakistan’s activities.
Pakistan has consistently denied any involvement in terrorism and has rejected claims that it supports militant groups. Tarar criticized India for failing to provide evidence linking Pakistan to a recent attack in Indian-administered Kashmir, where civilians were targeted. He asserted that Pakistan is a victim of terrorism and is actively fighting against it.
The ceasefire between India and Pakistan remains delicate and could easily collapse. The rapid shift in relations has led to speculation about what prompted both sides to de-escalate tensions. While Pakistan celebrates its perceived victory, the path to lasting peace is fraught with challenges, particularly given the deep-rooted animosities and differing narratives on both sides.