Tensions between India and Pakistan have reached a dangerously critical level, with international observers warning that Pakistan is facing a moment of national crisis on multiple fronts. The statement, "Pakistan can no longer be seen as a country," reflects growing fears that the nation is on the verge of collapse — politically, militarily, and socially — as conflict with India intensifies and internal unrest spirals.
The current escalation was triggered by a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 23, in which 27 civilians, including 25 Hindu tourists, were killed. India quickly accused Pakistan-based militant groups of masterminding the attack.
In response, India launched "Operation Sindoor" on May 7, striking multiple locations in Pakistan-administered Kashmir and Punjab province believed to house terrorist infrastructure. Indian Air Force jets carried out 14 precision strikes using advanced weaponry.
Indian officials claimed the operation was carefully calibrated to avoid military targets and was intended only to eliminate terror threats.
Pakistan, however, strongly condemned the strikes, labeling them an act of war. The Pakistani government claimed that civilian areas were hit, including a mosque, and reported 31 casualties.
The military retaliation from Pakistan has already begun, including shooting down Indian drones and cross-border artillery shelling. The atmosphere along the border has become highly volatile, with civilians on both sides bracing for further escalation.
The situation inside Pakistan has worsened with widespread protests, particularly in the Balochistan region. Demonstrators are demanding justice following the arrest of prominent activist Mahrang Baloch. These protests have spread to major cities, including Karachi and Islamabad, further destabilizing the internal political climate. Many analysts suggest that Pakistan is now battling both an external military threat and an internal uprising.
Diplomatic ties between India and Pakistan have crumbled. Both nations have expelled each other’s diplomats, suspended visa and trade services, and shut down airspace. India has withdrawn from the Indus Waters Treaty, while Pakistan has suspended the Shimla Agreement — two critical agreements that symbolized a fragile peace. Airports in northern India, including Amritsar and Srinagar, remain shut, and flight operations have been heavily disrupted.
Amid the rising tension, international leaders have stepped in to call for calm. U.S. President Donald Trump has offered to mediate, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio contacted Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to encourage de-escalation. The global community is urging restraint, but there is little sign that either side is prepared to step back.
Pakistan now stands at a turning point. With mounting casualties, growing international isolation, civil unrest, and open conflict with its neighbor, the very fabric of the nation is under threat.
Unless both sides move quickly toward dialogue, the climax of this war could result in irreversible consequences for the region — and for Pakistan's future as a functioning state.