Stability in the South Asian region is under threat due to increasing tensions and military operations in recent days. India’s insistence on pursuing war is further escalating the danger in the region. Pakistan, following a deadly incident in the Indian-administered Pahalgam area of Kashmir that resulted in the deaths of 26 people, on April 22, called for a thorough investigation to hold those responsible accountable and urged India to engage in peace talks. However, India, without evidence, accused the Pakistani government of orchestrating the incident and opted for the path of war and confrontation. Last night, the situation worsened as seven Indian air squadrons, consisting of 10 aircrafts, violated Pakistani airspace and carried out a series of attacks along both the Line of Control and the international border. Pakistan strongly condemned these attacks, stating that India's military actions violate international law and emphasizing the importance of finding diplomatic solutions instead of resorting to war. Pakistan also warned that military operations will not lead to lasting peace and stability, but rather cause more casualties and tragedies.
It should be especially emphasized that the current situation is not only causing tension between India and Pakistan but is also contributing to increased tensions across the entire South Asian region.
What happened between Pakistan and India last night
In an interview with APA, retired Lt Gen Ghulam Mustafa, a war veteran who commanded various military formations, including a Corps and Army Strategic Forces Command (ASFC) — commented on the incident that took place on the night of May 7.
The general stated that during the operation, India used U.S.-made long-range stand-off missiles and carried out strikes on five different regions of Pakistan.
“Three of these targets were located across the Line of Control, with one near the administrative center of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Two of the strikes were conducted across the international border — one in the Muridke area near Lahore, and the other in South Punjab, near Bahawalpur. India claims the targets were positions of terrorist groups. However, civilian casualties and injuries were reported as a result of the strikes. In addition, India attempted several coordinated attacks along the Line of Control. The Pakistan Armed Forces quickly took control of the situation, and the Pakistan Air Force responded promptly by scrambling jets and taking retaliatory action. As part of these operations, Pakistani forces shot down six Indian military aircraft — two of them were ‘Rafale’ jets, three were ‘MiG-29s’, and the type of the sixth is still being clarified but is believed to be a ‘MiG-31’. The military confrontation mainly took place along the Line of Control, and Pakistani forces captured several Indian soldiers. At the same time, Pakistan used long-range surface-to-surface missiles to destroy an Indian brigade headquarters and several key positions. Some Indian army units abandoned their posts, and in some cases, they were taken over by Pakistani forces. Overall, the Indian military contingent suffered heavy losses in two separate regions. According to available information, the number of casualties ranges between 60 and 70. The events sparked strong public reaction in Pakistan. As soon as the news broke, the public responded sensitively and showed strong support for the armed forces,” Ghulam Mustafa emphasized.
Military capabilities of Pakistan and India
The Pakistani general also compared the military capabilities of the two countries: “The active personnel of the Pakistan Armed Forces is approximately 700,000. The Indian Armed Forces, on the other hand, have 1.4 million active soldiers. In this regard, India has a twofold advantage in terms of numbers. As for Land Forces, the Pakistan Army possesses 2,537 main battle tanks and 4,619 artillery systems. The Indian Army, meanwhile, has 3,740 main battle tanks and 9,743 artillery systems. In this area, India holds superiority both technically and quantitatively. The Pakistan Air Force operates 452 fighter aircraft, which include JF-17s, F-16s, and the Mirage series. The Indian Air Force, however, has 730 fighter jets, including modern aircraft such as the Su-30MKI, Rafale, and MiG-29. India also has superiority in naval forces. The Pakistani Navy consists of 8 submarines and 10 frigates, whereas the Indian Navy is equipped with 16 submarines, 16 frigates, 11 destroyers, and 2 aircraft carriers.”
General Ghulam Mustafa noted that there is a relatively balanced situation in the field of nuclear forces:
“India has 172 nuclear warheads, while Pakistan has 170. This indicates that the deterrence capability of both sides is nearly equal. Pakistan’s rejection of a 'no first use' policy and its strategic deterrence doctrine are among the main pillars of the country's national security. Technological advancements in the nuclear field and improvements in launch systems also strengthen Pakistan’s position,” the general stated.
India's technology, Pakistan soldiers’ capability
Regarding India’s technology and newly acquired weapons, Ghulam Mustafa noted that the key issue is not just obtaining technology, but effectively applying it: "Soldiers, air forces, and sailors must receive special training to effectively use modern technology. Last night, this difference became clearly visible, as the Pakistan Armed Forces gradually transform themselves into a very powerful fighting machine. This does not rely on Russian combat methods; rather, it is carried out with a purely defensive approach. They are not only acquiring and mastering new technology but also gaining the ability to use it correctly. As a result of this process last night, India's weapons and attacks along the border were effectively silenced. Although Pakistan's air forces are numerically weaker, they managed to shoot down Indian aircraft. India’s goal was to surprise the international community and assert itself as a regional power. They already consider themselves a regional power and aim to become a global power. This is indicative of India’s tendency toward megalomania and its desire to gain power. India fails to understand that it is not just a matter of numbers; there are other important factors at play. They forget that something more important than numbers exists: people. When I think about how the people of Pakistan have risen up and supported their country and armed forces while answering your questions, I am deeply moved emotionally."
Pakistan's conventional forces are a serious threat to India
The General emphasized that Pakistan's conventional armed forces – the Navy, Air Force, and Army – are a power that India should take seriously: "Pakistan has well-organized three-tiered armed forces, which create a strong defense force. If necessary, Pakistan can respond to an Indian attack, utilizing its potential to inflict serious damage on the adversary. In Pakistan, defense forces are essentially in place; we are only trying to protect our borders and our ideology. These borders are very important to every citizen of Pakistan. Therefore, our conventional forces – the Navy, Air Force, and Army – are both capable and well-versed in understanding and using these capabilities. Hence, it is understandable that India cannot advance. After suffering serious damage last night, I personally think that a full-scale war between the two countries could break out because the international community failed to stop India. Last night’s reaction from Trump, regardless of what he said, showed the influence of US leadership on this issue."
Support from brotherly countries is a source of hope for Pakistan
The Pakistani general noted that although Western powers support India in every way, Pakistan’s greatest source of hope comes from the support of friendly countries: "We highly appreciate the support of Türkiye, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, China, and other countries for Pakistan in every field. This solidarity is our foundation and source of strength against the challenges we face, and it gives us great motivation to move forward on the right path. China, of course, supports Pakistan in every way. Some countries, however, advise us to be excessively cautious. Unfortunately, instead of using their influence over the years to calm India, they now call on Pakistan to be cautious. In fact, they are trying to limit Pakistan's capabilities. They say that both Pakistan and India should be cautious. But if India targets Pakistan and attacks, how can Pakistan be cautious? Should Pakistan just retreat, be defeated, accept its fate, or bow down? No, that will not happen. Pakistan will defend itself in every way. Once again, I must acknowledge our deep gratitude to our brothers, such as Türkiye, Azerbaijan, and Bangladesh, for their open support. We have no intention on attacking anyone, but Pakistan will respond appropriately to India at any time."
Azerbaijan-Pakistan: Brotherhood tested through difficult days
Ghulam Mustafa specifically emphasized that Pakistan has always valued its friendship with the people of Azerbaijan: "Pakistan and the people of Pakistan, including myself, express our deep gratitude to our Azerbaijani brothers. They stood by Pakistan without hesitation and openly supported the people of Pakistan, as well as the Pakistan Armed Forces. This is not just friendship and solidarity, but also the manifestation of strong ties between two brotherly countries who help each other in difficult times. Pakistan deeply appreciates the importance of this support, and we will never forget this assistance. Our friendship with the people of Azerbaijan will always be valuable to us."
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