Pakistan’s track record of fostering terrorism is no secret. From masterminding the IC-814 hijacking and harbouring the 26/11 attackers, to sheltering Osama bin Laden near its military academy and protecting Daniel Pearl’s killers — the evidence is overwhelming. Even Pakistan’s own Defence Minister admitted the nation’s involvement in supporting terror outfits. A former Air Vice Marshal reportedly called the 2019 Pulwama attack a showcase of “tactical brilliance.”

India’s Operation Sindoor was a sharp, justified response to the horrific killings of tourists in Pahalgam and Pakistan’s long-standing support for terrorism. The operation not only targeted terror camps but also retaliated against military escalation, neutralising Pakistan’s air defences.

Yet, the ceasefire emerged oddly — announced first by the US President via social media, followed by American diplomats referencing Kashmir and proposing neutral-ground mediation. These actions bypassed India’s clear foreign policy: Kashmir is a bilateral issue; terrorism and Kashmir must be treated separately; and no dialogue is possible until Pakistan ends cross-border terrorism and vacates PoK.

The global response has been disappointing. Despite Pakistan’s recent delisting from FATF’s grey list, it resumed funding terror networks and compensating terrorists’ families. Meanwhile, the IMF granted it another bailout. This demands immediate reconsideration of Pakistan’s FATF status.

Equating India and Pakistan misrepresents reality. India, a democratic and economic powerhouse, seeks peace and growth. Pakistan survives on donor funds and military control, fuelling instability to retain internal power.

India must work with allies to expose and isolate Pakistan’s terror nexus — including its growing alignment with China and influence in neighbouring states. Operation Sindoor must continue until terror infrastructure is dismantled — for India’s safety and global security.