by Muhammad Mohsin Iqbal
Almighty Allah, in His infinite wisdom, has endowed the human body with extraordinary resilience. When flesh or bone is wounded, nature itself comes to its aid, and in due course the body recovers. Yet, there are wounds of another kind—those inflicted upon the soul—that remain restless and unhealed for long stretches of time. Such wounds torment the heart, disturb the mind, and give birth to a restlessness that refuses to subside. The Indian rulers and their military chiefs today find themselves bound in this very condition, for the scars left by Pakistan’s firm response on May 9 and 10, 2025, continue to burn in their memories. The sting of those days has not faded, and in their desperation, they have carried this bitterness even into the realm of sports.
The recent Pakistan-India clash in the Asian Cup in the United Arab Emirates was more than a cricket match. It became a canvas upon which India’s frustration was painted before the eyes of the world. The conduct of their team, and in particular the posture of their captain, betrayed a willingness to sacrifice the sanctity of sport upon the altar of politics. Where the cricket field should have reflected discipline, sportsmanship, and the joy of fair competition, India’s irritation and resentment turned it into a stage for political expression. That the captain himself embodied this surrender of sport to politics was a moment that stunned not only the spectators in the stadium but millions across the globe who followed the contest.
Unable to gain victory on the battlefield, India’s rulers have long resorted to cowardly and indirect methods to soothe their bitterness. Among these is the reckless aggression over water, a hostility that disregards humanity and international principles. In their bid to damage Pakistan, Indian authorities did not hesitate to submerge large parts of their own eastern Punjab, wreaking havoc upon the lives of their fellow citizens. It was a tragic act of revenge, not only against Pakistan, but also against the Sikh community, who reside in that region. The Sikhs, whose voice for freedom grows stronger day by day across the world, have become the target of India’s misplaced fury.
This rage is not confined to internal oppression. Around the globe, the Indian government has sought to malign the Sikhs, to weaken their diaspora, and to silence their leaders. The assassinations of Sikh intellectuals and activists are no secret, and the shadow of India’s hand looms large behind many such incidents. At the same time, Indian-sponsored terrorists have been attempting to spread violence within Pakistan, a fact for which Pakistan possesses undeniable evidence. The world cannot remain blind to such activities, though India continues to weave its fabric of deceit with remarkable persistence.
In their madness, Indian rulers have pushed their nation into the depths of an arms race, seeking strength not in peace but in instruments of destruction. This perpetual desire to harm Pakistan, even at the cost of their own prosperity, has driven them to dangerous extremes. Yet, while it is often said that everything is fair in love and war, Pakistan has always endeavored to uphold principles, even in the midst of conflict. Unlike its neighbor, Pakistan does not abandon humanity, even when compelled to defend itself. The restraint shown on May 9 and 10 itself stands as a testament to this truth.
It is this distinction that the world must recognize; one nation drunk with vengeance, the other tempered with dignity. Yet, recognition from abroad must not lead us into complacency at home. India today sits uneasily upon the fence, restless, embittered, and opportunistic. At any moment, it will seize upon whatever chance arises to inflict harm upon Pakistan, whether through open aggression, covert operations, propaganda, or international maneuvering.
Therefore, Pakistan must remain vigilant. The path forward lies in a combination of strength, wisdom, and unity. First, our defenses must remain ever ready. The lessons of history teach us that weakness invites aggression, while preparedness deters it. Our armed forces have proved their mettle time and again, but they must be supported with the latest technology, intelligence networks, and cyber capabilities to counter new forms of warfare.
Second, Pakistan must strengthen its internal unity. No external enemy can weaken a nation whose people are bound together in spirit and purpose. Political polarization, sectarian divisions, and economic disparities serve only to provide our adversary with opportunities. We must build a Pakistan where unity of thought, economic resilience, and social harmony stand as strong as our military defenses.
Third, Pakistan must continue to raise its voice on global platforms, not only to expose Indian aggression but also to highlight our own commitment to peace and principles. The world must be reminded that Pakistan does not seek war, but neither does it fear it. Our diplomacy, therefore, must be as sharp as our defenses, ensuring that our narrative is heard and our truth understood.
Finally, Pakistan must invest in the strength of its youth—the true guardians of tomorrow. It is through education, innovation, and character-building that we will ensure a Pakistan capable of withstanding any storm. India may drown itself in hatred, but Pakistan’s future must be anchored in hope, progress, and faith in Allah Almighty.
The scars of May 2025 may haunt India, but they remind us of the enduring truth; Pakistan is a nation that cannot be subdued. Its people have paid with blood, endured with patience, and risen with resilience. Our adversaries may weave plots in shadows, but the light of Pakistan’s resolve shines brighter. The way forward is clear; vigilance, unity, and unwavering faith. For Pakistan, every challenge is a reminder that we are a nation not built to bow, but to stand firm—against all odds, and for all time.
