Story of a country that could have collapsed much earlier; and which could collapse any day !!! Bilawal and Defence Minister Asif almost saying do not punish present leadership of Pakistan for the 'past mistakes'

In the rest of the globe -- the country will own an army or the military force. In Pakistan, it is the army that owns the country.

Post-Pahalgam; everyone is talking about Gen Asif Munir, Pakistani army chief and his lecture on two-nation theory. That remark was like a pre-emptive announcement.

It is possible only with Pakistan that a war is being "enforced" on the financially starving economy; yet no one questions the Fauzi establishment.

The bitter truth is worse.

For most of its history, Pakistan has been ruled by military dictators. 

The argument goes so-called Democracy came in that Muslim-stronghold country as exceptions and brief 'intervals' because the military became so hugely unpopular. In India, democracy has been a permanent feature barring the period of Emergency and here too; the 'dictator' and empress Indira Gandhi of the Congress party and the first political dynasty had to give in to public pressure.

While in the past all Pakistani military generals were forced to temporarily cede space to democracy. in 2025 -- as a last minute saving grace the army has decided to revive the war cry. The Pahalgam terror attack is thus linked to Pakistani army's desperation -- something Pakistanis will admit probably a decade later when things may be too late. 

Pakistan's last military dictator was forced to quit in 2008. One must appreciae since then Pakistan has seen the longest spell of civilian control in its history. 

Now that India has started multi-pronged actions in response to Pahalgam. All credit must be given to the Indian's leadership - both political and military - for going slow.

Step by step is not being late or slow. It's going gradual. This well calculated, coordinated and calibrated strategy of military wings after PM Narendra Mod has given a free hand to fix target ad decide on mode of assault and the timing is actually a masterstroke.  

Pakistan is in panic and has started making moves which could prove economically costlier for it.

Even the so-called movements inside bunkers or putting the forces in high alert are expensive business. 

How long a country like Pakistan actually can be on high-alert -- this question will be asked by more and more Pakistanis in months and weeks to come !!

India's response is being drawn based on analyses of ground situations and our own preparations. A decisive war cannot be won just by emotions. Even as the public expectations are for quicker and harsher strategies/kinetic military actions; the wise thing is to go according to plans. 

Field Marshal Manek Shaw had told the then PM Indira Gandh that a war is 90 per cent waiting. If such a strategy paid dividends in 1971; it is all more vital in today's world when PM Modi has himself asserted to President Vladimir Putin -- 

"... this is not an era of war". 

This waiting straegy thus is actualy "moving forward" and leaving the enemy confused and even forcing Islamabad/Rawalpindi  to slid backwards at times.

 The repeated threats from Pakistan about nuclear attack if India uses forces is itself a sign of nervousness. 

The Pakistani army and political leaders are unable to conceal their fear. 

We should recall in this context that in 1971 -- even 24 hours before surrender - Pakistani general AKA Niazi had exuded confidence. Pakistan has a track record of being empty vessel making lot of noise. They are doing it yet again. 

One example is the conduct of Pakistani Defence Minister Khwaja Asif and former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto. They are talking in two or multiple languages and tone.   

After asserting that 'blood' will flow if Indus water stops flowing; in a media interview -- he did enough to leave his country red-faced. 

Former Pakistani foreign minister said that it was no secret that Pakistan had a past -- the past of supporting and sponsoring terrorists.

 "As far as what the defence minister (Khawaja Muhammad Asif) said, I don’t think it is a secret that Pakistan has a past. 

As a result, we have suffered, Pakistan has suffered. We have suffered. We have gone through wave after wave of extremism. But as a result of what we suffered, we also learnt our lessons. We have gone through internal reforms to address this problem," he said.  

This is one of 'acknowledging' Pakistan's past association with extremist elements.

Bilawal's remarks came during an interview with Sky News, where he responded to a question regarding earlier comments by Pakistan's Defence Minister Khwaja Asif on the country's link to terror groups.  

This is like making an impatient plea === do not punish present leadership of Pakistan for the 'past mistakes'.  

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