Pahalgam Attack Reshapes Pakistan Army’s Image Amid Tensions

The Pahalgam terror attack reignites Indo-Pak tensions, helping Pakistan’s army regain lost credibility as national savior amid rising hostilities.

Pakistan Army Rebrands Itself as National Guardian Amid Pahalgam Fallout

In a region already teetering on geopolitical fault lines, the Pahalgam terror attack has jolted hopes for peace between India and Pakistan, replacing diplomatic overtures with the cold reality of renewed hostility. What seemed like a tentative thaw post-2022 has now been replaced by a familiar chill, one that risks plunging the subcontinent back into a dangerous phase of brinkmanship and mistrust.

A Return to Old Tensions

Just a few years ago, optimism briefly flickered when Pakistan’s former army chief, General Qamar Javed Bajwa, floated the idea of reconciliation with India. At the 2021 Islamabad Security Dialogue, Bajwa’s speech about “burying the past” sparked discussions on whether the powerful military was ready to pivot towards peace—largely due to mounting international pressure, notably from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

But that promise has aged poorly. His successor, General Asim Munir, appears to have closed the door on dialogue entirely. Days before the Pahalgam incident, Munir gave a fiery address dismissing any notion of introspection or rapprochement. In his rhetoric, there was little room for diplomacy—only declarations of readiness and resolve.

Political Fragility, Military Dominance

Pakistan’s political leadership, weakened and widely seen as subservient to Rawalpindi, echoed the military’s defiance in its response to India’s sanctions. The National Security Committee’s statement following an emergency meeting didn’t just condemn India’s measures—it retaliated. Islamabad shut down Indian overflights, froze SAARC and visa engagements, and labeled the Indian military contingent in Islamabad as unwelcome. Though it stopped short of withdrawing from the Line of Control (LoC) ceasefire agreement, the messaging was clear: escalation is not just possible—it’s likely.

Behind these moves lies a strategic calculus. With the army’s public image bruised by its handling of Imran Khan’s political party and alleged rigging of the 2024 elections, Rawalpindi sees rising tensions as an opportunity to reclaim its role as Pakistan’s ultimate protector.

The Army’s Image Makeover

Once revered, the Pakistan military’s stature—especially in Punjab, its traditional stronghold—had suffered setbacks. But nothing rallies national sentiment like a perceived external threat. As tensions mount, the army is leveraging this moment to reassert itself as the guardian of Pakistan’s sovereignty, casting India as the aggressor and itself as the bulwark against foreign hostility.

Recent warnings from India about reviewing the Indus Waters Treaty have only fueled this narrative. Though legally complex and slow-moving in its consequences, such statements are easily weaponized by Islamabad to stoke fears and shore up military support, especially as the southern Sindh province expresses discontent over proposed new canal projects that may limit its water supply.

Proxy War in a New Geopolitical Era

The shadow of FATF once curbed Pakistan’s jihadi networks, or at least forced them underground. But that leash appears looser now. The global landscape has changed. With the diminishing influence of multilateral institutions and shifting priorities of the United States, Pakistan feels less restrained.

Rather than fear international backlash, Islamabad has recalibrated its relationship with Washington. Gone is the urgency to appear as a frontline anti-terror ally. In its place is a strategy to remain relevant, especially to a US administration more focused on transactional diplomacy than systemic reform.

The Biden administration’s harder line may have been a deterrent, but Pakistan is now betting on the more flexible posture of a potential Trump return or a distracted US foreign policy team. The narrative shift is subtle but powerful: from global pariah to regional stabilizer.

No Room for Dissent

Domestically, there’s little pushback against the military’s rising influence. Political leaders are either unwilling or unable to challenge the establishment’s aggressive posture. Even as Pakistan grapples with economic instability, the army remains committed to spending its limited resources on reinforcing its regional stance—military trucks may run on fumes, but not on fear.

With no international actor pressing for de-escalation, and no domestic counterforce to the army’s dominance, the path ahead seems primed for conflict rather than cooperation. Pakistan is already preparing for a prolonged propaganda war, one in which it plays the victim of terrorism while portraying India as the unrelenting aggressor.

Conclusion: An Uneasy Road Ahead

The Pahalgam attack has done more than reignite tensions—it has redefined the strategic narrative in Pakistan. By exploiting the moment, the military is not only cementing its authority at home but also crafting a story of resilience and defense on the global stage. With diplomacy shelved and hostility brewing, the subcontinent may be heading toward another dangerous standoff, where perception matters as much as power. For peace to return, both countries must first reclaim the political will to talk—something neither Islamabad nor New Delhi seems ready to do.

Disclaimer:
This article is intended for informational purposes and reflects analysis based on publicly available data and expert commentary. The views expressed do not represent any government or official policy stance.

source  :ThePrint