By Dr. Tabassum Khan
The recent attack in Indian-administered Kashmir has once again placed India and Pakistan on a dangerous precipice. In the immediate aftermath, emotions are understandably high — but this is precisely when responsible leadership must prevail over reactionary instincts. War is not the answer. Peace, however difficult, remains the only viable path forward for both nations and the region at large.
It must be stated clearly and unequivocally: Pakistan, a country fighting its own battles against terrorism, has no interest or incentive to support any form of violence across its borders. Over the past two decades, Pakistan has paid a heavy price in lives lost, economic disruption, and social trauma due to terrorism within its own soil. Suggesting that Pakistan would benefit from regional destabilization is detached from today’s realities. Pakistan’s foremost national priorities are economic revival, internal security, and regional cooperation — objectives fundamentally incompatible with conflict.
At a time when Pakistan seeks foreign investment, economic partnerships, and political stability, any escalation with India would be not only self-defeating but deeply damaging to its national interests. It is crucial for international observers to recognize this context before arriving at conclusions that could fuel further tensions.
Yet the stakes are much higher than the interests of India and Pakistan alone. South Asia is home to nearly two billion people. A new confrontation, even if limited, would ripple across borders, undermining economic growth, triggering instability, and diverting attention from urgent regional challenges such as climate change, public health, and poverty reduction. In a deeply interconnected world, South Asia’s volatility affects global stability.
Despite their enormous potential, both Pakistan and India continue to grapple with widespread poverty. Millions across both nations live without reliable access to clean water, healthcare, quality education, or secure employment. According to recent estimates, a significant percentage of the population in both countries remains below the poverty line, with rural communities particularly vulnerable. Rather than diverting precious resources towards conflict, both countries urgently need to invest in uplifting their citizens, expanding economic opportunities, and addressing deep-rooted inequalities. A peaceful South Asia could unlock immense prosperity, allowing both Pakistan and India to focus on the true battle — the battle against poverty and underdevelopment.
Compounding these challenges is the growing misuse of religion as a tool for division. Despite the fundamental teachings of all major faiths — compassion, love, tolerance, and respect for humanity — today, religion is increasingly being exploited for political and commercial gain. Some clerics and leaders, instead of promoting universal values, spread narratives of mistrust and hatred against other faiths. This dangerous trend not only distorts the true spirit of religion but also undermines societal harmony. If humanity is to move toward a peaceful future, religious leadership must rise above the politics of hatred and foster a culture of coexistence and shared respect.
What South Asia needs today are leaders — on both sides of the border — who understand that real strength lies not in posturing or provocation, but in restraint and reconciliation. Hawks, who see every crisis as an opportunity to escalate, must not be allowed to dominate the narrative. Instead, the region must empower the voices of reason: those who call for dialogue, who seek common ground, and who understand that the prosperity of one depends on the stability of all.
The way forward must involve restoring diplomatic channels, strengthening backdoor communications, and building confidence through economic and cultural engagement. Both governments must reaffirm that terrorism has no place in this region and must resist the temptation to exploit tragedy for political gain.
Peace is never an easy choice. It demands patience, courage, and a willingness to rise above the easy rhetoric of blame. But for the people of South Asia — millions of whom dream of a better life for themselves and their children — it is the only choice that makes sense.
At this critical moment, India, Pakistan, and the broader international community must choose builders over destroyers, dialogue over discord, and hope over hostility. Only then can South Asia step out of the shadow of conflict and into a future defined by cooperation, resilience, and shared progress.
Dr. Tabassum Khan is a globally recognized strategist and a strong advocate for peace, development, and cooperation across regions.
