History Calls the Pakistan Army: It is Time for True Islamic Leadership
(Translated)
News:
The attack in Pahalgam in April 2025, in which militants killed 26 civilians and injured others, has plunged Kashmir back into the heart of a complex political-doctrinal situation. While the authorities immediately pointed to the responsibility of armed groups backed by Pakistan, the incident was quickly politicized and integrated into the broader narratives that shaped Narendra Modi's rule for more than a decade: a conflict between a Hindu nationalist state and its alleged enemies at home and abroad.
Comment:
The recent military confrontation between Pakistan and India on the Line of Control in Kashmir highlighted the increasing fragility of the geopolitical balance. India's failed attacks and sophisticated Pakistani counterattacks revealed weaknesses in India's military capabilities, prompting India to seek a ceasefire. This represents not only a tactical victory for Pakistan, but also a potential strategic opportunity. For decades, Pakistan has invested in modern military technology and developed its capabilities with the help of parties including China.
In contrast, India has relied on outdated technologies, although it has recently received updates from Western partners such as France, the Jewish entity, and America. The attack was fully consistent with the narrative entrenched by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party during its years in power. For the Modi government, the perpetrators were not mere terrorists, but symbols of a larger enemy: Islam and Muslims. Without waiting for a thorough investigation, it blamed groups based in Pakistan, naming Lashkar-e-Taiba and its alleged militant organization, the Resistance Front. Despite the Resistance Front's denial of responsibility and the lack of reliable evidence, the narrative was already well established. The Bharatiya Janata Party, long adept at turning national crises into political assets, incorporated the Pahalgam massacre into its political vision of "Hindu Rashtra."
The opening of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya was the culmination of decades of sectarian politics. It was also a clear signal: in Modi-led India, the Hindu state is recognized, while other religions are viewed with suspicion. Since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, Kashmir has been stripped of its independence and subjected to extensive administrative and military control by the Indian government.
What was previously a region governed by Islamic justice and mercy has now effectively become a military zone, governed from New Delhi and shaped by nationalist ambitions. Infrastructure projects such as the new railway bridge linking Kashmir to mainland India are presented as symbols of progress. But in reality, these developments represent occupation rather than integration. Arbitrary arrests, internet shutdowns, forced land grabs, and legal repression have become common tools of governance in the region. Security is pursued at the expense of trust, and each new incident becomes a justification for further repression and proof of its ineffectiveness. This accurately reflects the tactics used by Jewish forces against the Palestinians for decades.
The consequences of the attack extend beyond Kashmir as well. Shortly thereafter, the Modi government moved to suspend a key part of the Indus Waters Treaty, a cornerstone of Indian-Pakistani diplomacy since 1960. The threat to restrict water flow to Pakistan is symbolic and strategic. It not only signals a retaliatory response, but also a willingness to use shared resources as weapons in political games.
The Pakistani elite still see America as an indispensable ally, but the reality shows that America is increasingly betting on India as a key strategic partner in Asia. This is due not only to economic and military considerations, but also to India's role in America's strategy to contain China. Pakistan seems caught between the interests of global powers; seeking American support on the one hand, and increasing Chinese cooperation through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and military relations on the other.
Pakistan stands at a historical crossroads: either it remains a tool in the strategies of the great powers, or it takes control of its destiny and elevates the status of the Islamic nation. The liberation of Kashmir and freedom from dependence on America are key to this strategic and principled transformation. The current global turmoil is not just a threat, but a golden opportunity for Islamic leadership and transformation. Pakistan should not seek the status quo or a ceasefire, but rather take a historic step by fully liberating Kashmir, securing control of its vital resources, and thus taking the lead in a volatile world order. This paves the way for a new era in which Pakistan plays a pivotal role in establishing the Rightly Guided Caliphate. This is a profound principled vision that requires not only military strength and political leadership, but also the political will to challenge the existing world order. The time has come for Pakistan to put an end to Modi's vision of a "Hindu nation" by uniting with the countries of Central Asia, liberating all of Kashmir, and establishing the Rightly Guided Caliphate on the ruins of the Ram Temple and the vision of the Hindu nation.
Written for the Central Media Office of Hizb ut-Tahrir
Muheeb Abdullah
