China, US Emerge as Key Players in Kashmir Dispute: Report

News Desk 

Islamabad: The Pakistan-China Institute (PCI), led by Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, has launched a landmark report titled “16 Hours That Reshaped South Asia: How Modi’s Miscalculation Led to Pakistan’s Primacy”, providing an in-depth analysis of the recent Pakistan-India conflict and its far-reaching regional implications.

Speaking at the launch event, Senator Mushahid Hussain said that PCI is the first think tank in Pakistan to compile such a comprehensive account of the conflict, examining its causes, consequences, and strategic outcomes.

He described the episode as “India’s most serious setback since Nehru’s defeat in the 1962 war with China”, emphasizing that it reshaped the strategic landscape of South Asia.

The report credits Pakistan’s armed forces for their exemplary performance, highlighting the strategic coordination between Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar. 

Their leadership, combined with the professionalism and training of PAF pilots and the effective use of advanced technology and electronic warfare, contributed to what the report describes as Pakistan’s cyber and air superiority.

Reflecting on his own experience during the 1998 nuclear tests as Pakistan’s then Information Minister, Mushahid termed the recent developments as “Pakistan’s finest hour,” citing perfect planning, coordination, and diplomacy led by the Foreign Office and amplified by responsible media messaging.

Senator Mushahid also praised the resilience and unity of the Pakistani people, who rallied around their armed forces.

He lauded China for standing firmly with Pakistan under the leadership of President Xi Jinping and acknowledged the role played by former US President Donald Trump in brokering a ceasefire and reviving international attention to the Kashmir dispute.

According to the PCI report, the conflict introduced three new strategic realities in the region:

Restoration of Deterrence by Pakistan.

China emerged as a de facto party to the Kashmir dispute and a stabilizing force in South Asia.

The United States treated Pakistan and India as equal stakeholders while reviving global attention on Kashmir.

The 25-page document proposes a three-pronged strategic roadmap:

• Proactive diplomacy and a strategic shift towards South Asian neighbors.
• Strengthening ties with allies including China, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Iran, and Saudi Arabia.
• Adopting a robust Lawfare approach under the Indus Waters Treaty and holding India’s RSS-driven policies accountable in international courts, while promoting Pakistan’s narrative through think tanks, media, and public diplomacy.

The report asserts that a South Asian version of the “balance of terror” has successfully deterred Indian aggression due to the nuclear status of both countries. 

It further claims that Pakistan has restored conventional deterrence despite the numerical advantage of India’s military.

In his concluding remarks, Senator Mushahid cautioned against complacency, warning that India continues to pursue a “3-D strategy” — Demonize, Damage, Destabilize Pakistan. 

He urged unity, an end to political polarization, and the formulation of a strong counterterrorism framework to maintain the momentum of national morale and self-confidence.

The PCI report also includes a detailed timeline beginning with the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam terror strike, alongside global reactions and historical parallels, comparing Modi’s miscalculation to that of Hitler’s 1941 invasion of the Soviet Union.

Senator Mushahid also commended the Pakistani media for their fact-based reporting during the conflict, saying their credibility is now widely respected both domestically and internationally.