Pakistan’s survival at stake

Refer to ‘Will Asim Munir fall in line’ (The Great Game); the incisive piece rightly lays bare the dangerous duplicity of Pak army chief Gen Munir’s stubborn adherence to the Kashmir narrative, which is less about principle and more about preserving the military’s grip over Pakistan’s national affairs. With the economy in a shambles, even its traditional allies like Saudi Arabia are signalling a shift away from the rogue state. India’s candid warning to the US and the IMF that Pakistan should not be given monetary aid to fund terror went unheeded. If Pakistan is to survive, its army must abandon grandstanding and let the civilian government get the country back from the brink.

Chanchal S Mann, Una

Big powers playing big games

Refer to ‘Will Asim Munir fall in line this weekend’; the big powers are playing big games. US Vice-President JD Vance said “it is none of our business” before President Trump announced a ceasefire. China is openly supporting Pakistan. A staunch supporter of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, which is cosying up to India, cannot be trusted. While India targeted only terrorists’ camps, Pakistan attacked civilian areas in desperation. Pakistan has become a den of terrorism and stands exposed in front of the whole world. Thankfully, for India, the Rafale fighter jets and the S-400 missile system have proven their worth.

Wg Cdr Cl Sehgal (Retd), Jalandhar

India must ask for firm guarantees

With a $3.7-trillion economy and significant global influence, India should not have accepted a ceasefire without firm international guarantees. The UN, the US and the OIC must ensure that Pakistan receives no military, economic or technological support until it acts decisively against terrorism. The US armed Pakistan in the 1965 and 1971 wars, opposed India’s nuclear tests and remained silent during repeated IMF bailouts to Islamabad. Without India’s nuclear deterrent and S-400 systems, Operation Sindoor could have panned out differently. With Pakistan lacking a missile defence system as good as India’s and simultaneously grappling with internal unrest in Balochistan and Sindh, India holds a strategic advantage.

Sonu Tiwari, Delhi

Hastily agreed ceasefire

Refer to ‘Ceasefire (b)reached’; India and its people are highly disappointed on the sudden ceasefire hastily agreed upon by the Indian government, which a few days back had given a free hand to the defence forces to execute military action against Pakistan. Why did India agree so easily to a ceasefire, even though, it has an upper hand in military action? The top political leadership has disappointed us. The government should have put up clear-cut conditions before President Trump, such as surrender of masterminds of terror activities hiding in Pakistan. How can we trust Pakistan, which started breaching ceasefire only a few hours after its execution?

Vinay Kumar Malhotra, Ambala Cantt

Double standard of world bodies

Refer to ‘Dangerous message: India on IMF bailout to Pak, abstains from vote’; at a time when the Pakistan military is unleashing weapon-carrying drones and missiles on cities in Rajasthan, J&K and Punjab, it is baffling to learn that the IMF has once again bailed out Pakistan with a $1-billion loan. Pakistan is a widely known terror-sponsoring state and the IMF is indirectly supporting terrorism. India had forewarned the IMF regarding misuse of funds by Pakistan to finance state-sponsored cross-border terrorism, but its plea fell on deaf ears. It is the height of double standards as on the one hand, the UNSC is questioning Pakistan over terror groups, and on the other, the IMF is providing money to support terror funding.

Bal Govind, Noida

Perils of misinformation

With reference to ‘Sticking to facts’; misinformation is more dangerous than no information. The need of the hour at this critical juncture is to keep the masses away from misleading information on social media. Every responsible citizen should advise people around them to analyse any bit of news before forwarding it to others. Media houses, too, should report responsibly without inciting passions and prioritise national security over TRP ratings or financial gains.

Dilwar Ali, Tohana

Letters to the Editor