THE recent statement of the Indian Army Chief is highly irresponsible and worrisome because such aggressive language between two nuclear powers becomes a dangerous message not only for the region but also for world peace.
These days, India wants to provoke Pakistan in some way and seeks revenge for the defeat it suffered on May 10, 2025. However, this fire of revenge is not something new for India; it has a long history. India has long been consumed by hostility toward Pakistan. There exists an inseparable bond of enmity between India and us. Pakistanis may sometimes forget this relationship, but Hindus never do and whenever they get the opportunity, they certainly express it.
According to our Quaid, the day the first person on the land of Hind became Muslim, Pakistan came into existence. The arrival of Muslims on the soil of Hindustan, in one form or another, marked historical moments when the local inhabitants bowed before God at the shrine of a Sufi saint or entered the land with the armies of Muslim warriors. Whenever Muslims entered the land of Hind, they came in a superior position. They were rulers, conquerors and protectors of the local population. From that time until independence from British rule, Hindus remained subjects under Muslims. It was as though servitude was their destiny, while rule remained the fate of Muslims.
This was the political and historical background which led the scholars of Hindustan to always consider this land as their rightful possession, a land they believed they had conquered and maintained control over. Today’s Hindu rulers may not openly say that they have avenged a thousand years of Muslim rule, but this idea of revenge has never left their hearts and minds. Therefore, Hindus have regarded India solely as a Hindu nation, believing that only Hindus have the right to live there; indeed, not merely to live, but even to set foot on that land.
Muslims and Hindus are described as two distinct nations with differing lifestyles, cultures, food, clothing, and social patterns, making even small daily matters reflect separate identities; on this basis, it is argued that coexistence was seen as difficult, leading to the demand for a separate homeland, Pakistan, to protect Muslims, yet mutual distrust has continued between the two sides and is viewed as a lasting and persistent source of tension.
Because of this danger, wars were fought between Pakistan and India, which further increased mutual distrust. The most recent conflict was last year’s “Battle of Truth,” in which Pakistan allegedly brought India to its knees. Not only were several of its aircraft destroyed, but damage was also inflicted upon other military infrastructure. India, already burning in the fire of revenge, took this deeply to heart and remains desperate to retaliate against Pakistan. For this purpose, it allegedly carries out terrorist activities in Pakistan through proxies. It cannot attack openly because it has already seen the consequences in May 2025.
Such statements by the Indian Army Chief create fear and anxiety among the people of both countries. The job of responsible military or political leadership is to promote peace, not hatred and war madness, but to tolerate intolerance and respect international norms. Pakistan has always taken the position that it wants peace but will not compromise on its sovereignty and defence.
—The writer is contributing columnist, based in Faisalabad.
