Pakistan Restores Defensive Balance in South Asia: Report

Pakistan armed forces’ professionalism, rigorous training and high morale made India bite the dust.

Sat May 24 2025
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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has restored the defensive balance of power in what is described as the country’s “finest moment” in recent history, according to a report launched by the Pakistan China Institute.

Titled Historic Change in South Asia in 16 Hours, the report credits Pakistan’s military coordination, technological edge in electronic and cyber warfare, and strategic leadership for reversing Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “miscalculations.”

The Pakistan China Institute has released a comprehensive report, which was unveiled by Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed.

During a media briefing at the launch of the report, Sayed stated that the Pakistan China Institute is the first think tank in Pakistan to prepare such a comprehensive report, which covers all aspects of the tensions and their outcomes, Modi’s wrong assumptions, and the reasons for Pakistan’s success.

He emphasised that this was India’s biggest defeat since its loss to China in 1962.

Technological edge highlighted

He commended the bold strategy of Pakistan’s armed forces, attributing the success to the dynamic leadership of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar.

Their professional acumen and coordination, he noted, served as a model example of inter-service collaboration and strategic planning.

The report also highlights several other factors behind Pakistan’s success, including the armed forces’ professionalism, rigorous training, high morale, and adept use of modern technology — particularly the Pakistan Air Force’s strength in electronic warfare and its dominance in the cyber domain.

Drawing a parallel with Pakistan’s nuclear tests in May 1998 — a time when he served as Information Minister and chief spokesperson — he described the recent events as another proud chapter in the nation’s history.

He underscored the thorough planning, coordination, and execution witnessed across all fronts — from effective diplomacy led by the Foreign Office to a well-grounded media narrative.

Senator Mushahid also paid tribute to the resilience and unity of the Pakistani people, who stood firmly behind their military in the face of external threats.

Acknowledging international dynamics, he recognised China’s unwavering support under President Xi Jinping’s leadership and also credited US President Donald Trump for his role in brokering a ceasefire and reintroducing the Kashmir dispute to the global stage — a diplomatic setback for India.

Dismissing the likelihood of war, Senator Mushahid said the developments in May had given rise to three new strategic realities: Pakistan had re-established a defensive balance; China had emerged as an active stakeholder in the Kashmir conflict; and it now played a stabilising role in South Asia, reinforcing Pakistan’s unity, territorial integrity, and sovereignty.

He further noted that the United States had also positioned itself as a global player contributing to regional peace and the revival of the Kashmir issue.

Cautious vigilance urged

In his closing remarks, Senator Mushahid warned that while open conflict may not be imminent, Pakistan must remain alert given the unpredictability of Indian policy.

He described India’s current strategy as three-pronged: to malign Pakistan, inflict damage, and foster instability.

To counter this, he emphasised the need for continued national unity, the bridging of political divides, and the development of a robust strategy to combat terrorism and safeguard national interests.

 

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