THE HARD LESSONS: RIPPLES BEYOND PAHALGAM

Abstract

The Pahalgam conflict presents a moment of critical reflection for Pakistan. Clearly, India could not be deterred from undertaking a new type of technology-savvy war, revealing India’s willingness to exploit nuclear ambiguity and Pakistan’s internal vulnerabilities. It underscored India’s growing appetite for limited war under a "counter-terrorism" pretext. Pakistan must urgently respond to the lessons as the next war is around the corner. Modernisation of air defence systems, refinement of war conceptualisation, and strengthening of tri-service synergy are no longer mere options. Equally urgent is economic revival and national unity in order to deter aggression and maintain strategic stability in the face of growing threats. Without holistic reforms, India’s escalating aggression backed by international impunity will continue to test Pakistan’s strategic tolerance, or may eventually escalate beyond.

Bibliography Entry

Amin, Aezaz Aizad. 2025. "The Hard Lessons: Ripples beyond Pahalgam." Strategic Thought (7):
1-18.