Contemporary Society
Contemporary Society: Looking back at 2025, several events exposed the region’s deep instability. Pakistan and India fought a four-day confrontation. Soon after, Israel and Iran clashed. Pakistan also carried out cross-border strikes against terrorist targets in Afghanistan. Despite a temporary calm, tensions remain high. India says its conflict with Pakistan is only paused. The United States continues to threaten Iran. Terrorist violence inside Pakistan has not ended.
India’s Regional Decline
India has lost regional momentum. US claims of decisive intervention embarrassed New Delhi. The loss of military equipment damaged its image. Relations with smaller neighbours have also worsened. These setbacks may push Indian leaders to seek external victories. They may try to offset domestic criticism and reshape the narrative of the May crisis.
Escalation Risks
The risk of renewed conflict between India and Pakistan is now very high. Indian leaders may use even small unrest in Indian-held Kashmir to justify new attacks. Anti-India sentiment is spreading in the region. Intelligence failures limit India’s ability to prevent local incidents from escalating. This makes crisis escalation more likely.
Pakistan’s Security Dilemma
Pakistan also faces pressure on its western front. The United States may increase efforts to confront Iran. Any conflict with Tehran would place Pakistan in a difficult position. Washington may expect political or indirect support. Such pressure could destabilise the region further.
Pakistan must protect its security on both fronts. It needs effective crisis-management mechanisms with India. External actors can help restore communication channels for emergencies. Pakistan must also signal clear costs for proxy warfare to India and Afghanistan. This message matters more as Balochistan gains economic and strategic value.
Strategic Diplomacy
Pakistan can also use its improved access to Washington. It should warn the US about the risks of regional intervention. It must highlight spillover effects of wider conflict. Instability in areas like Balochistan could harm regional security and global economic interests.
Published in Dawn, 7th January 2026
