Pak-India war: inevitable or avoidable.

Byline: Kashif Ahmad Mohaar

In the aftermath of Pulwama attack warmongering elements have been triggered in both South Asian nuclear-armed arch rivals. The Indian jets arrived for what they called it 'Pre-emptive strikes' in Balakot, AJ and K to target JeM camp, who were alleged to be the perpetrators of Pulwama attack in Indian Occupied Kashmir. The PAF aircrafts chased IAF jets which hastily released payload and flown back to India without achieving the target. Undoubtedly, this was an unprovoked incursion into Pakistan's territory. Indian allegations on Pakistan of sponsoring Pulwama attack were baseless. Many analysts argued that Pulwama attack was orchestrated by Hindutva for political gains in Indian general elections-2019. Also, India had no reason for airstrikes after PM Imran categorically assured his counterparts a stern action against those responsible, if they belonged to Pakistan. PM Imran Khan asked Narendra Modi to share credible information for this purpose. However, Indian jingoism prevailed. Indian unprovoked aggression along the Line of Control (LOC) has continuously been provoking Pakistan's nuclear threshold. But Pakistan, aware of the dangers of nuclear war, has shown restraint against its adversary's aggressive posture. Pakistan is determined for peaceful resolution of disputes and to avoid mutually assured destruction (MAD). However, it has the full capacity to retaliate and counter Indian offenses. The post-Pulwama situation has flabbergasted many at international level. Many are anticipating a full-fledged nuclear war. Now questions arise is Pak- India war inevitable or avoidable? And, if once avoided, how a durable peace could be established? This article will elaborate these two areas.

As far as inevitability of war is concerned, in international politics it is explained that war has a slippery road; it cannot be controlled once you have started it. In addition to this very nature of war, in this nuclear age when mankind has created overkill capacity through weapons of mass destruction, avoiding war is the best strategy. Because, in other case MAD would outweigh the benefits of war for the launcher. This is why Pakistan has always wished to avoid war.

However, when Pakistan's efforts for peace were considered as her weakness it retaliated with full-blow. For example, Post- Pulwama attack scenario has forced Pakistan to respond to Indian aggression. Because it challenged the credibility of Pakistan's deterrence...