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Journalism of Courage
Following the air strikes by the Indian Air Force deep inside Pakistan, Islamabad is caught in a tight spot. The Pakistani establishment has been at the receiving end of reprimands by the global community over the February 14 terrorist attack in Pulwama, the single bloodiest attack in Jammu and Kashmir in three decades of militancy.
From the United States to the United Nations Security Council, it has been condemned for the terrorist attack mounted by the UN-proscribed terrorist outfit, Jaish-e-Mohammed, led by Maulana Masood Azhar. Read In BANGLA
While Islamabad is being cornered from all sides, including by Beijing, which has signed off on the UNSC condemnation statement, the Pakistani establishment has tried to create space for maneuver for itself by moving into a state of denial.
So, just like the surgical strikes, Pakistan has denied that the targetted air strikes deep inside its territory did any damage. By doing so, it has sought to ward off pressure to retaliate immediately. Left with limited military options, it has now started dialing the Americans, the Chinese and OIC countries so that it can get India condemned by these international partners.
EXPLAINED | What does a non-military preemptive strike mean?
But a diplomatic consensus is rapidly emerging that India has the right to self-defence and Pakistan must act on terror. India has also made it clear that its target is not Pakistan, but the terrorist infrastructure on its soil. Pakistan’s options in this high-stakes situation are limited — other than showing visible and tangible action on terror.
