Pakistan's two-front war

India's hegemonic ambitions seek to bind Pakistan's regional and diplomatic space. Through repeated allegations, reluctance to engage in dialogue and a sustained narrative on international platforms, India attempts to cast Pakistan as a source of instability while projecting itself as the dominant regional power. This approach undermines bilateral trust and complicates efforts for regional cooperation.

Responding firmly to such aggression is no longer merely a diplomatic requirement but a strategic necessity.

The crucial question is, how should Islamabad confront this 'mad elephant'? Among Pakistan's policy and intellectual circles, two dominant views compete. One calls for a muscular response — military aggression to assert claims, especially on Kashmir. The other champions diplomacy, trade and dialogue as trails to regional peace. While both perspectives carry valid points, they are inadequate when taken in isolation. What Pakistan needs is a comprehensive grand strategy — a long-term, integrated plan with both short-term and long-term goals, as well as domestic and foreign priorities, encompassing economic and military development, alongside cultural and ideological strength.

As a sovereign state, Pakistan must issue a calculated but firm response to Indian provocations. Past wars and terrorist-sponsored incidents reveal India's growing assertiveness and its attempts to test Pakistan's thresholds. A passive stance will only embolden future aggression. However, any military response must be carefully measured: preserving deterrence without escalating into full-blown conflict. Maintaining credible military preparedness is necessary, but it must be part of a broader framework.

In the long run, it is crucial to understand that India's aggressive nature is in its growing economic power and global image. Its military confidence is not self-sustained; it is raising GDP of $3.91 trillion, strong institutions, expanding soft power and its status as the fifth-largest economy in the world. Pakistan must learn from this and recalibrate its trajectory. Economic empowerment should become a national priority. The country must break free from existing crises and develop a manufacturing and knowledge-based economy. Political stability and policy continuity are non-negotiable for any real progress.

Parallel to economic renewal, Pakistan must reclaim its global image by cleansing its society of extremist ideologies and non-state actors. These groups do more damage to national integrity and external perception than any external enemy. Eliminating militancy from its roots and advancing toward peace will allow Pakistan to reposition itself as a responsible state, worthy of investment, partnership and leadership on the world stage.

In this digitally powered era, power is multifaceted. Battles are fought not just with missiles and drones but with narratives, influence and ideas. For Pakistan to stand firm, it must attain economic self-reliance — the backbone of credible defence. The collapse of the USSR shows how the absence of economic stability and socio-political maturity can bring even major powers to their knees. Within this reality, Pakistan must also learn to compete effectively in the global contest of narratives.

Pakistan must find a careful balance between its military preparedness, economic stability and international standing if it is to protect its national interests. Kashmir remains a red line — not only because of its historical and ideological weight, but also due to the critical water resources tied to the dispute. Any long-term security framework, therefore, must recognise the intersection of territorial concerns and resource sustainability. The objective is not to assert dominance, but to secure space for survival, stability and steady national advancement.

To prevail against Indian hegemony, Pakistan must prioritise internal reform, economic stability and strategic diplomacy over reactive aggression. Victory lies not in confrontation only, but in becoming a stronger nation on all fronts to effectively counter the enemy within its borders and on the international stage. If Pakistan does not define its own identity, adversaries such as India will continue to influence the narrative to their advantage.