Pakistan Signals Willingness to De-Escalate if India Halts Strikes
Tensions along the India-Pakistan border have once again flared up following the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir. In response, India launched a targeted military operation named Operation Sindhoora, striking at terrorist camps located in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). These attacks were seen as part of India’s ongoing strategy to dismantle cross-border terrorism and assert its right to self-defense.
In the wake of these operations, Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif made a notable statement that indicates a possible opening for de-escalation. Speaking to the media, Asif said, “If India stops the attacks, we are ready to reduce the tension at the border.” He emphasized that Pakistan has not engaged in any offensive actions against India in recent weeks and has been consistently stating that it does not wish to act against India unless provoked.
Khawaja Asif’s remarks come at a critical time. While cross-border shelling and skirmishes have become routine in the region over the years, open declarations about restraint and willingness to reduce military tensions are not common. His assertion that “retaliatory action will only be taken if India continues its attacks” suggests that Pakistan is adopting a reactive posture rather than an aggressive one — at least diplomatically.
He further added that he was unaware of any planned bilateral talks between the two nations under the current tense atmosphere. This indicates that while there may be a willingness to de-escalate, formal diplomatic engagement is still not on the table.
India’s Operation Sindhoora is being viewed domestically as a strong and timely response to the Pahalgam attack, which resulted in significant casualties and once again underscored the threat of terrorism emanating from across the border. India has consistently maintained that Pakistan supports or harbors terrorist elements that operate in Kashmir — a claim Pakistan denies.
The broader context of this conflict involves a history of mistrust, three full-scale wars, and numerous border skirmishes since the two countries gained independence in 1947. With both nations being nuclear powers, any increase in military hostilities garners global attention and concern.
While Khawaja Asif’s comments are unlikely to immediately alter India’s defense posture, they could provide a starting point for backchannel diplomacy. Peace between India and Pakistan remains elusive, but every statement hinting at restraint contributes in some measure to stabilizing the region.
It remains to be seen whether Pakistan’s call for de-escalation is sincere or strategic. For now, the ball appears to be in India’s court — will it scale back its military response or continue with its counter-terrorism operations across the border?
Either way, the people living along the border regions — often the first victims of any escalation — hope that this moment can serve as a turning point towards peace.
