PAKISTAN-India conflict has been a long-standing rivalry, with both countries engaging in a continuous battle on the ground and in the realm of narratives. This war of narratives is an integral part of the broader Indo-Pak conflict, as both nations strive to shape international perceptions, domestic opinions and their own self-image. The roots of the Indian war of narratives against Pakistan can be traced back to the partition of British India in 1947, which resulted in the creation of two independent nations, India and Pakistan. India’s narrative concerning the partition highlights the violence and suffering inflicted upon innocent civilians, emphasizing the need for peace and reconciliation. The Mumbai attacks of 2008, the Uri attack in 2016 and the Pulwama attack in 2019 have reinforced this narrative, leading India to present itself as a victim of cross-border terrorism.
India’s nationalist discourse has been shifting towards Hinduism, a departure from secularism and diversity. This shift is promoted by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), aiming to shape the future of Indian society and link it with security policies. Last week, the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a Hindu temple in Ayodhya, built on the ruins of a historic Mughal-era Babri mosque, which was destroyed by a Hindu mob in 1992.The Indian establishment is using hostile narratives to seek a position in the international system, similar to how regional and rising powers seek identity through identity narratives. However, the potential for India and its hostile identity narratives to make the region unstable is a serious concern, as it may seek open-ended power through these narratives, potentially making the region unstable. This shift in nationalist discourse is a significant concern for the future of India.
Pakistan has been targeted by various strategic narratives globally, including being a rogue state involved in nuclear proliferation and hostility towards India. It is also depicted as an irresponsible state harbouring terrorism and sponsoring state terrorism against India. The US manhunt for Osama Bin Laden in Abbottabad led to serious allegations against Pakistan as a state accomplice to terrorists. The narratives also portray Pakistan as a failing state, with questions raised on its nuclear proliferation and security measures. Pakistan maintains a narrative of responsible nuclear states, emphasizing the importance of nuclear deterrence for regional stability while seeking to assure the international community of their commitment to nuclear restraint. Pakistan is also perceived as a state where minority rights are not exercised, with many non-state actors exploiting these rights. The lilting of accused in the name of blasphemy is a new threat Pakistan is facing today. These narratives aim to cast shadows on Pakistan’s internal situation and raise concerns about its security measures.
Really though, DisinfoLab, a European NGO, in 2020 discovered a sophisticated misinformation campaign called ‘Indian Chronicles’ targeting Pakistan since 2005.India’s major wire service, ANI, had been leading an operation to spread false news on phoney media platforms. EU DisinfoLab discovered 256 pro-Indian websites in 65 countries linked to the Srivastava Group, an Indian holding firm. The operation has expanded to around 117 nations, focusing on UN and EU members. Ten NGOs with UN Human Rights Council accreditation had been used to attack Pakistan and advance Indian objectives. The campaign also used the names of Harvard Law School professors and a deceased international law expert. A dossier containing proof of India financing terrorism in Pakistan was earlier handed over to the friendly states and the UN by Pakistan.
The Indian war of narratives against Pakistan has had a substantial impact on bilateral relations, fuelling hostility, mistrust and a lack of dialogue, making it challenging to resolve longstanding disputes such as Kashmir. The heightened rhetoric has also led to several military confrontations, most notably the wars of 1947, 1965, 1971, as well as the Kargil conflict in 1999.Despite the long-standing war of narratives, there are glimmers of hope for reconciliation between India and Pakistan. Several factors indicate that both countries may eventually find a way to resolve their differences. Despite heightened tensions, diplomatic channels between Pakistan and India remain open, serving as crucial tools for communication and conflict resolution. Track-II dialogues, informal discussions involving non-governmental actors, provide a platform for open and candid discussions, fostering trust and generating ideas. Backchannel diplomacy, discreet communication between government officials, can resolve issues or de-escalate tensions when official channels are not working. Public opinion in Pakistan and India varies, with some advocating for a hard-line approach and others advocating for peaceful resolution. Civil society groups, peace activists and individuals promoting dialogue and cooperation can shape public opinion and influence government policies.
International actors like the US, China and the UN are urging India and Pakistan to peacefully resolve their differences. However, achieving lasting peace requires transcending adversarial narratives and addressing underlying issues. The complex relationship between the two countries is influenced by historical, political and security factors, necessitating sustained efforts, political will and a willingness to address conflicts.
Pakistan has faced numerous conflicts and disputes since 1947, but long-term peace and collaboration have not been achieved due to Indian hypocrisy and deceptions. Third-party mediation has been the most effective method for dispute settlement and the United Nations has made limited contributions to resolving the Kashmir conflict. The lack of an institutional framework and strong distrust between the two nations contributes to the failure of bilateral attempts to resolve disputes. Pakistan and India should work together to promote improved ties through conversation, diplomacy and peaceful dispute resolution. To counter Indian narratives, Pakistan should create a counter narrative and engage in open communication, fact-based information and interpersonal interactions. Civil society, academics and ethical media outlets can dispel myths and advance nuanced viewpoints.
—The writer is PhD in Political Science and visiting faculty member at QAU Islamabad.
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views expressed are writer’s own.
