1. DFI is a respected forum. Youth members should not indulge in jingoism about war without taking into account every aspect—geopolitics, modern technologies, the China factor (as they arm North Korea to the teeth). Let’s not forget: not having a peer competitor as a neighbor is a long-term strategic advantage. Why should China miss the opportunity to exploit chaos? We also need to consider weather, terrain, and the possibility of internal sabotage. Maintaining internal order is difficult—our police are underprepared for such large-scale disruption.
2. Regarding our strength parity with Pakistan: even during the 1965 and 1971 wars, we had to deploy a significant portion of our forces to guard the China border.
3. Why should we turn our region—essentially us—into a prolonged conflict? It would set us back by decades, just as the rest of the world is rapidly advancing in modern manufacturing and technology. Once we fall behind, catching up will be incredibly difficult.
4. There are many complexities, like the terrain in PoK—it’s hilly and very difficult to dominate without a sizeable air force. Our advantage over Pakistan in that aspect isn’t as big as we’d like to believe.
5. Now, some will ask: “What should we do if we don’t retaliate? Won’t it continue endlessly?” That’s not entirely true. Their doctrine (book kafir must be killed) may preach extremism, but major escalation would invite a massive recruitment of jihadists on their side. Yes, we won decisively in 1971 and could possibly do it again—but back then, they didn’t have a cold-blooded Industrial China which now courting countries to either join them or USA and I genuinely believe China would support them no matter what.
In my opinion, the best time to take revenge on Pakistan is during a Taiwan invasion—when China is fully distracted.