Pahalgam terror attack - Indo-Pak war is part of Pakistan's 'bleed India by a thousand cuts' policy. Who is behind it? The April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, is most certainly going to lead to a fifth Indo-Pak war. The attack by Pakistan-based terrorists is the latest instance of Pakistan's military policy of 'bleed India by a thousand cuts'. But what is its origin?
&nbsp;
<iframe width="600" height="auto" style="width: 100%; aspect-ratio: 4/3;" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" class="external-video publive-iframes-block" src="https://cdn.thepublive.com/wion/static/kaltura_player/wion_video_player_iframe.html?thumbnail=wion/media/post_attachments/screenshot/0505_ARJUN_DAM_8AM/00000002.jpg&amp;videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/0505_ARJUN_DAM_8AM.mp4/index.m3u8&amp;duration=112&amp;tags=India, Pakistan, World News, WION" title="Pahalgam attack: India intensifies strategic measures against Pakistan" id="PL_iframe_block-mace8h2c-txwx5dvo-51pywwfd"></iframe>
<h2>Did Zulfikar Ali Bhutto actually say 'bleed India by a thousand cuts?'</h2>
Though Pakistan's former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto didn't actually say 'bleed India by a thousand cuts' in as many terms, that phrase is often attributed to him unofficially by the architects of Pakistan&rsquo;s strategic military doctrine.
In his 1963 book The Myth of Independence, Bhutto wrote, &ldquo;Pakistan will wage a relentless struggle against India, exploiting every opportunity to weaken it.&rdquo; He was advocating a war of attrition aimed at entrapping India in a constant struggle.
Bhutto's speech to the United Nations was about waging 'a thousand-year war' with India.&nbsp;
The most relevant portion comes from his 22 September 1965 speech. In an address to the United Nations Security Council during the 1965 Indo-Pak War, Bhutto said, &ldquo;We will wage a war for a thousand years, a war of defence.&rdquo;&nbsp;
He was stressing Pakistan&rsquo;s resolve to continue fighting India despite military setbacks of the 1965 war, amid India&rsquo;s advances and the global pressure for a ceasefire.
<h2>Bhutto is the ideological font of 'bleed India with a thousand cuts' policy</h2>
&nbsp;
It can be said that Bhutto&rsquo;s remarks and speeches after the Indo-Pak wars of 1965 and 1971 gave the political fuel and ideological ground for this strategy.
While it's associated with Bhutto&rsquo;s rhetoric, it was formalised as policy by General Zia-ul-Haq.
Speaking at the Lahore Islamic Summit in 1974, Bhutto again referred to a long-term struggle. &ldquo;We will fight for our rights and our honour, no matter how long it takes,&rdquo; he said, while avoiding any calls for terrorism.&nbsp;
While Bhutto did not endorse terrorism in as many words, his statements, particularly the 1965 UN speech, are often cited as the conceptual precursor to the "bleed India" strategy, which was indeed all about fomenting terrorism in India.
&nbsp;
<h2>How the 'thousands cuts' policy was turned into a military doctrine</h2>
Bhutto's speech at the UN was an example of Pakistan's defiance despite defeat, and a vision of sustained resistance to rally his domestic audience. It evolved into the "thousand cuts" doctrine, particularly since Pakistan&rsquo;s defeat and Bangladesh&rsquo;s creation after the Indo-Pak war of 1971, also known as the Bangladesh Liberation War. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/general-asim-munirs-radical-agenda-pakistans-deep-state-terror-nexus-exposed-in-pahalgam-attack-9012213">General Asim Munir&rsquo;s radical agenda: Pakistan&rsquo;s deep state terror nexus exposed in Pahalgam attack</a>
The strategy is essentially about a prolonged conflict, a covert or proxy war with India.
Pakistan's spy agency, the Interservices Intelligence of ISI, was the main executioner of the policy.
It supported insurgencies in India, particularly in Kashmir and Punjab, and allegedly in the Northeast.
<h2></h2>
<h2>'Bleed India by a thousand cuts' became Pakistan's military-intelligence policy under Zia</h2>
&nbsp;
Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq, the military chief turned dictator, translated Bhutto&rsquo;s vision into covert warfare, making it the doctrinal foundation of the policy.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/pakistan-pm-shehbaz-sharif-refuses-to-condemn-pahalgam-terror-attack-in-his-first-reaction-repeats-asim-munirs-jugulur-vein-remark-9003697">Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif refuses to condemn Pahalgam terror attack in his first reaction, repeats Asim Munir's 'jugular vein' remark</a>
After its heavy defeat at the hands of India and the split of East Pakistan into Bangladesh after the 1971 war, it became clear to Islamabad that conventional warfare was not feasible.
&nbsp;Zia-ul-Haq, who was Pakistan's president from 1978, shaped Bhutto&rsquo;s rhetoric into the covert strategy of low-intensity warfare.
Pakistan used insurgency and terrorism to destabilise India, supporting militant groups to wage proxy wars even as it avoided a direct military confrontation.&nbsp;
<h2>'Bleed India by a thousand cuts' doctrine in action: Fomenting terror from Punjab to Kashmir</h2>
&nbsp;
The strategy aimed to exploit India&rsquo;s diversity by instigating, supporting and aiding separatism, terrorism and instability.&nbsp;
In the 1980s, the ISI set up a Punjab cell to arm Sikh militants involved in the Khalistani separatist movement.&nbsp;
In the words of former ISI chief Hamid Gul, keeping Punjab destabilised was "equivalent to the Pakistan Army having an extra division at no cost.&rdquo;
Those who received arms from Pakistan include followers of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, the Khalistani leader.
Many Khalistani militants were trained by Pakistan in camps in Lahore and Karachi.
After the end of the Soviet-Afghan War, Pakistan redirected Mujahideen fighters to Kashmir.
Over the years, Pakistan funded, supported, trained and handled several India-focused terror groups.
They include Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), which is behind some of the worst terror attacks in India, including the 2008 Mumbai attack and the recent Pahalgam attack of April 22.
Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), another terror group backed by Pakistan, was involved in major attacks like the 2001 assault on the Indian Parliament.&nbsp;
LeT, led by Hafiz Saeed, who continues to live under Pakistan's protection, is an internationally designated terrorist.&nbsp;
JeM, founded by Masood Azhar, have been linked to ISI backing, with its leader roaming openly in Pakistan. Hizbul Mujahideen, another group that was active in Kashmir, received ISI support.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/pakistanis-against-india-pak-war-imam-asks-crowd-who-backs-islamabad-against-india-in-viral-clip-audience-reaction-will-shock-you-pahalgam-9036059">Pakistanis against India-Pak war? Imam asks crowd who backs Islamabad against India in viral clip; audience reaction will shock you</a>
Pakistan gave these terror groups arms, training, and safe havens. It enabled cross-border infiltrations of the militants and terror attacks to create an impression of sustained unrest and instability in Kashmir. 
<h2>India gave military response to terror attacks, hitting the 'bleed' doctrine</h2>
&nbsp;
The 'bleed India with a thousand cuts' doctrine worked for Pakistan as long as there was no direct military response from India. That changed over time, particularly since the 1999 Kargil War. In that war, Pakistan dressed up its regular army as Kashmiri militants, and India gave a fitting response by repelling the cross-border incursions. Pakistan's expectation that India would not respond militarily to terror strikes was dashed in 2016, when Indian Army entered Pakistan-occupied Kashmir to destroy terror launchpads behind the Uri attack, in what became known as 'surgical strikes'. India again did a surgical strike, this time using its air force in 2019, after the Pulwama terror attack.&nbsp; On the diplomatic front, India exposed Pakistan&rsquo;s terror sponsor role at the United Nations and the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pahalgam-terror-attack-will-pakistan-walk-the-fatf-tightrope-again-8998205">Pahalgam terror attack: Will Pakistan walk the FATF tightrope again?</a>
This military and diplomatic pressure started the process of unravelling the 'bleed India' doctrine, making Pakistani commentator Pervez Hoodbhoy bemoan in 2016 that the policy was &ldquo;in shambles.&rdquo;&nbsp;
The most recent setback to Pakistan -&nbsp; before it revived terror-sponsoring with Pahalgam attack - came in the form of the grey listing of the country by FATF.&nbsp;
Pakistan hurriedly jailed or put into house arrest some terror chiefs, in order to show to FATF that it is acting against terror, so that it can come out of the grey list.
Being put on that list had hampered Pakistan's ability to get foreign financial assistance to tide over its dire economic situation.
<h2>The 'bleed India' strategy has been failing, but Pakistan is still trying</h2>
&nbsp;
India&rsquo;s resilience and global pressure have diminished the impact of the 'bleed India' strategy.&nbsp; But attacks and infiltrations were kept up by Pakistan.&nbsp; The 2025 Pahalgam massacre is the latest in this series. This time, however, it faces a war that could uproot the 'bleed India' strategy.

Pahalgam attack by Pakistan-based terrorists is part of its policy of 'bleed India by a thousand cuts'. How did it start? World | Trending | India News | South Asia

Pahalgam terror attack - Indo-Pak war is part of Pakistan's 'bleed India by a thousand cuts' policy. Who is behind it? The April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, is most certainly going to lead to a fifth Indo-Pak war. The attack by Pakistan-based terrorists is the latest instance of Pakistan's military policy of 'bleed India by a thousand cuts'. But what is its origin? Did Zulfikar Ali Bhutto actually say 'bleed India by a thousand cuts?' Though Pakistan's former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto didn't actually say 'bleed India by a thousand cuts' in as many terms, that phrase is often attributed to him unofficially by the architects of Pakistan’s strategic military doctrine. In his 1963 book The Myth of Independence, Bhutto wrote, “Pakistan will wage a relentless struggle against India, exploiting every opportunity to weaken it.” He was advocating a war of attrition aimed at entrapping India in a constant struggle. Bhutto's speech to the United Nations was about waging 'a thousand-year war' with India. The most relevant portion comes from his 22 September 1965 speech. In an address to the United Nations Security Council during the 1965 Indo-Pak War, Bhutto said, “We will wage a war for a thousand years, a war of defence.” He was stressing Pakistan’s resolve to continue fighting India despite military setbacks of the 1965 war, amid India’s advances and the global pressure for a ceasefire. Bhutto is the ideological font of 'bleed India with a thousand cuts' policy It can be said that Bhutto’s remarks and speeches after the Indo-Pak wars of 1965 and 1971 gave the political fuel and ideological ground for this strategy. While it's associated with Bhutto’s rhetoric, it was formalised as policy by General Zia-ul-Haq. Speaking at the Lahore Islamic Summit in 1974, Bhutto again referred to a long-term struggle. “We will fight for our rights and our honour, no matter how long it takes,” he said, while avoiding any calls for terrorism. While Bhutto did not endorse terrorism in as many words, his statements, particularly the 1965 UN speech, are often cited as the conceptual precursor to the "bleed India" strategy, which was indeed all about fomenting terrorism in India. How the 'thousands cuts' policy was turned into a military doctrine Bhutto's speech at the UN was an example of Pakistan's defiance despite defeat, and a vision of sustained resistance to rally his domestic audience. It evolved into the "thousand cuts" doctrine, particularly since Pakistan’s defeat and Bangladesh’s creation after the Indo-Pak war of 1971, also known as the Bangladesh Liberation War. General Asim Munir’s radical agenda: Pakistan’s deep state terror nexus exposed in Pahalgam attack The strategy is essentially about a prolonged conflict, a covert or proxy war with India. Pakistan's spy agency, the Interservices Intelligence of ISI, was the main executioner of the policy. It supported insurgencies in India, particularly in Kashmir and Punjab, and allegedly in the Northeast. 'Bleed India by a thousand cuts' became Pakistan's military-intelligence policy under Zia Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq, the military chief turned dictator, translated Bhutto’s vision into covert warfare, making it the doctrinal foundation of the policy. Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif refuses to condemn Pahalgam terror attack in his first reaction, repeats Asim Munir's 'jugular vein' remark After its heavy defeat at the hands of India and the split of East Pakistan into Bangladesh after the 1971 war, it became clear to Islamabad that conventional warfare was not feasible. Zia-ul-Haq, who was Pakistan's president from 1978, shaped Bhutto’s rhetoric into the covert strategy of low-intensity warfare. Pakistan used insurgency and terrorism to destabilise India, supporting militant groups to wage proxy wars even as it avoided a direct military confrontation. 'Bleed India by a thousand cuts' doctrine in action: Fomenting terror from Punjab to Kashmir The strategy aimed to exploit India’s diversity by instigating, supporting and aiding separatism, terrorism and instability. In the 1980s, the ISI set up a Punjab cell to arm Sikh militants involved in the Khalistani separatist movement. In the words of former ISI chief Hamid Gul, keeping Punjab destabilised was "equivalent to the Pakistan Army having an extra division at no cost.” Those who received arms from Pakistan include followers of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, the Khalistani leader. Many Khalistani militants were trained by Pakistan in camps in Lahore and Karachi. After the end of the Soviet-Afghan War, Pakistan redirected Mujahideen fighters to Kashmir. Over the years, Pakistan funded, supported, trained and handled several India-focused terror groups. They include Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), which is behind some of the worst terror attacks in India, including the 2008 Mumbai attack and the recent Pahalgam attack of April 22. Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), another terror group backed by Pakistan, was involved in major attacks like the 2001 assault on the Indian Parliament. LeT, led by Hafiz Saeed, who continues to live under Pakistan's protection, is an internationally designated terrorist. JeM, founded by Masood Azhar, have been linked to ISI backing, with its leader roaming openly in Pakistan. Hizbul Mujahideen, another group that was active in Kashmir, received ISI support. Pakistanis against India-Pak war? Imam asks crowd who backs Islamabad against India in viral clip; audience reaction will shock you Pakistan gave these terror groups arms, training, and safe havens. It enabled cross-border infiltrations of the militants and terror attacks to create an impression of sustained unrest and instability in Kashmir. India gave military response to terror attacks, hitting the 'bleed' doctrine The 'bleed India with a thousand cuts' doctrine worked for Pakistan as long as there was no direct military response from India. That changed over time, particularly since the 1999 Kargil War. In that war, Pakistan dressed up its regular army as Kashmiri militants, and India gave a fitting response by repelling the cross-border incursions. Pakistan's expectation that India would not respond militarily to terror strikes was dashed in 2016, when Indian Army entered Pakistan-occupied Kashmir to destroy terror launchpads behind the Uri attack, in what became known as 'surgical strikes'. India again did a surgical strike, this time using its air force in 2019, after the Pulwama terror attack. On the diplomatic front, India exposed Pakistan’s terror sponsor role at the United Nations and the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). Pahalgam terror attack: Will Pakistan walk the FATF tightrope again? This military and diplomatic pressure started the process of unravelling the 'bleed India' doctrine, making Pakistani commentator Pervez Hoodbhoy bemoan in 2016 that the policy was “in shambles.” The most recent setback to Pakistan - before it revived terror-sponsoring with Pahalgam attack - came in the form of the grey listing of the country by FATF. Pakistan hurriedly jailed or put into house arrest some terror chiefs, in order to show to FATF that it is acting against terror, so that it can come out of the grey list. Being put on that list had hampered Pakistan's ability to get foreign financial assistance to tide over its dire economic situation. The 'bleed India' strategy has been failing, but Pakistan is still trying India’s resilience and global pressure have diminished the impact of the 'bleed India' strategy. But attacks and infiltrations were kept up by Pakistan. The 2025 Pahalgam massacre is the latest in this series. This time, however, it faces a war that could uproot the 'bleed India' strategy.

'Bleed India by a thousand cuts' is Pakistan's doctrine that made it a terror state. But what is its origin story?

Pahalgam terror attack leads to possible Indo-Pak war, but Cyril Radcliffe caused all India-Pakistan conflicts: I watched Chhaava, on Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj who fought Aurangzeb, on Netflix, days after the Bollywood film caused calls to dig up and remove the grave of the Mughal emperor, the villain of the piece. Revisionist views of history, seeking revenge for wrongs done three or four centuries ago, were at the heart of such demands. But if one were to indeed revisit history and think about who wronged us in the context of the possible fifth Indo-Pakistan war over the Pahalgam terror attack, then perhaps the story of one man - from just 77 years ago, not centuries - needs to be dug up: Cyril Radcliffe, whose name adorns the Radcliffe Line, the international boundary of India and Pakistan.
Because it is the Radcliffe Line, arguably the most unscientific international boundary ever drawn on a map, that led to the Partition of India, millions of deaths, starvation, massacres, rapes, and the past four Indo-Pak wars. It is the fountainhead of the so-called Kashmir issue. It is important that we, particularly the younger generations, know about the atrocities committed on the subcontinent by the British colonial rulers, of whom Radcliffe was a servant, leaving generations to bear the brunt.
<iframe width="600" height="auto" style="width: 100%; aspect-ratio: 4/3;" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" class="external-video publive-iframes-block" src="https://cdn.thepublive.com/wion/static/kaltura_player/wion_video_player_iframe.html?thumbnail=wion/media/post_attachments/screenshot/0605_WION_ALERT_2_10AM/00000002.jpg&amp;videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/0605_WION_ALERT_2_10AM.mp4/index.m3u8&amp;duration=261&amp;tags=Pakistan, World News, WION" title="Breaking | Pakistan violates ceasefire for 12th straight day | India-Pak tensions | Pahalgam attack" id="PL_iframe_block-mac2r8f0-b8b8eto0-idjlbwml"></iframe>
&nbsp;
<h2>Who was Cyril Radcliffe?</h2>
 Cyril John Radcliffe, the 1st Viscount Radcliffe was a British lawyer. Born in 1899, he studied at Haileybury College. He did an honours degree from New College, Oxford in classics, philosophy, and ancient history, the course known as 'literae humaniores'. He was sent from Britain to draw the map because the colonial rulers thought that he would be 'neutral'. For context, his mission came amid Britain's hasty plans to withdraw from colonies like India, as it was drowning under debt due to the ravages of World War II (1939-1945).
<h2>Was Cyril Radcliffe really qualified to draw the India Pakistan boundary? </h2>
Absolutely not, as his career was focused on law, culminating in roles like Law Lord and chairman of public inquiries.&nbsp;He had no expertise in geography or demographics of any place, let alone India.&nbsp;
Cyril Radcliffe had no formal qualifications in cartography or map-making, and mostly relied on census data done in the past by British rulers - which was also neither sufficient nor neutral - to draw the international boundary.
And remember that the concept of census itself a controversial one. There are arguments that, coming from a largely monotheist nation, British colonialists found it difficult to comprehend the ethnic, racial and religious diversity of the colonies, and used the census as a way to govern. Again, some argue that the census itself was part of the larger 'divide and rule' policy of the British.
<h2>How did Radcliffe become the man who made the international border of India and Pakistan?<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/women-home-guards-who-served-during-1971-indo-pak-war-pahalgam-terror-attack-india-paksitan-9038708"></a></h2>
Radcliffe was appointed to chair the Boundary Commissions for India&rsquo;s 1947 partition as he was seen to be a neutral figure. The thought at the time appears to have been that, in the middle of demands by both Hindu and Muslim leaders on how to carve Pakistan out of India, someone with no historical baggage could be a better choice.&nbsp;
<h2>How did Radcliffe draw the India-Pakistan map?</h2>
As mentioned, Radcliffe&rsquo;s process heavily relied upon outdated census data, maps, and limited input from the Boundary Commissions for Punjab and Bengal. These commissions had four representatives each, two from the Indian National Congress and two from the Muslim League. It is understood that conflicting agendas of their leaders led to stalling of the boundary drawing. Radcliffe drew the border by merging the census data and previous maps. He simply looked at the district level data for population, and considered only which community was the numerical majority in specific areas. Remember that these were tens of thousands of villages and towns where Hindus, Muslims, Christians and other communities lived side by side for centuries. But the boundary line drawn by Radcliffe cut through real geographical features, even hills, rivers and mountains.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<h2>Radcliffe had a tough task, a tight deadline, and he chose the easiest way out</h2>
British Viceroy Lord Mountbatten was given around five months to make the transition from British India to independent India. He brought it down to just five weeks, even keeping a 'days to go' calendar behind his desk.
In total, Radcliffe was tasked with dividing some 175,000 square miles with 88 million people based on which religion was numerically the majority.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/women-home-guards-who-served-during-1971-indo-pak-war-pahalgam-terror-attack-india-paksitan-9038708">'If they call us...': Women Home Guards who served during 1971 Indo-Pak war 'ready to serve again' amid rising tensions post Pahalgam</a>
He reportedly considered factors like natural boundaries, irrigation systems, and communication lines, but in the end, clearly failed in accounting for everything. The rivers that run through both India and Pakistan is a case in point. But that's something he couldn't have helped.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Radcliffe worked from Shimla, the winter capital of the British, with no time for conducting field surveys on the ground, due to the tight deadline.
<h2>How Radicllife rushed through his decisions</h2>
 There were points in the boundary drawing process where Radcliffe took his own, unilateral decisions amid bickering among political leaders on which part should go to India and which to Pakistan.
The Radcliffe Line was finalised by 9&nbsp;August 1947, just days ahead of the August 15 Independence Day. But a formal announcement of the boundary was made two days later, on 17&nbsp; August, to avoid clashing with independence celebrations.&nbsp;
And that's when all hell broke loose.
<h2>The outcome of Radcliffe Line: World's largest forced migration</h2>
The announcement of the boundary was followed by the actual Partition of India.&nbsp;Hindus living on the other side of this border was given the choice to cross into India. And Muslims had the choice to go to Pakistan. I said 'choice' here, but in actual practice, tens of thousands of villagers had no choice but to leave everything and move to either India or Pakistan, due to fears of attacks from the other community.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/pahalgam-terror-attack-what-pakistan-asked-for-at-unsc-meeting-and-did-not-get-9039055">'Was LeT involved or not?&rsquo;: Pakistan faces tough questions at UNSC meeting over Pahalgam attack, council denies &lsquo;false flag&rsquo; narrative</a>
The hasty process of by which Radcliffe drew the international boundary, in essence, triggered the mass migrations and violence of Partition, the largest forced displacement of humans ever, in which millions died.
<h2>Radicliffe had never visited India, and stayed only 35 days to cut a line through the map</h2>
Radcliffe arrived in India on 8 July 1947 and left shortly after submitting his partition map.&nbsp;All in all, he is reported to have spent only 35 days in the country.
He never returned.
&nbsp;
<h2>Did he regret his decision? </h2>
Yes, if we go by the records of his subsequent life. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amid-looming-war-threat-jammu-and-kashmir-school-trains-students-on-survival-evacuation-9037928">Amid looming war threat, Jammu and Kashmir schools train students on survival, evacuation</a>
Radcliffe was reportedly haunted by the partition&rsquo;s consequences.&nbsp;He eventually refused to accept his 40,000 rupees fee for his work in drawing the map that partitioned India, and burned the relevant papers.
&nbsp;
<h2>Is Radcliffe the only person to blame? </h2>
No. Lord Mountbatten, and the leaders of India and what became Pakistan at the time, are equally responsible. Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the staunch advocate of two-nation theory was vehement in establishing the Muslim nation of Pakistan, and argued for every inch of land. And Kashmir, where a Hindu king ruled over a Muslim-majority population, was among the most contested.&nbsp;
With the five-week timeframe dictated by Mountbatten&rsquo;s accelerated independence schedule,&nbsp;Radcliffe could not conduct thorough assessments. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pahalgam-terror-attack-privileged-partnership-not-subject-to-says-russia-as-it-calls-for-de-escalation-between-india-and-pakistan-9038966">'Privileged partnership not subject to...' says Russia as it calls for de-escalation between India and Pakistan</a>
 He was mostly reliant on secondary sources, past British census data and non-neutral maps of India. And he put speed over precision.&nbsp;
Radcliffe drew a squiggly line on a map, and reshaped a subcontinent.&nbsp;
&nbsp;And millions suffered, starting from the Partition to the four wars between India and Pakistan.

Cyril Radcliffe caused Partition of India and Kashmir conflict because of his map. Pahalgam terror Indo-Pak war  Trending | World | India News | South Asia | Pakistan

Pahalgam terror attack leads to possible Indo-Pak war, but Cyril Radcliffe caused all India-Pakistan conflicts: I watched Chhaava, on Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj who fought Aurangzeb, on Netflix, days after the Bollywood film caused calls to dig up and remove the grave of the Mughal emperor, the villain of the piece. Revisionist views of history, seeking revenge for wrongs done three or four centuries ago, were at the heart of such demands. But if one were to indeed revisit history and think about who wronged us in the context of the possible fifth Indo-Pakistan war over the Pahalgam terror attack, then perhaps the story of one man - from just 77 years ago, not centuries - needs to be dug up: Cyril Radcliffe, whose name adorns the Radcliffe Line, the international boundary of India and Pakistan. Because it is the Radcliffe Line, arguably the most unscientific international boundary ever drawn on a map, that led to the Partition of India, millions of deaths, starvation, massacres, rapes, and the past four Indo-Pak wars. It is the fountainhead of the so-called Kashmir issue. It is important that we, particularly the younger generations, know about the atrocities committed on the subcontinent by the British colonial rulers, of whom Radcliffe was a servant, leaving generations to bear the brunt. Who was Cyril Radcliffe? Cyril John Radcliffe, the 1st Viscount Radcliffe was a British lawyer. Born in 1899, he studied at Haileybury College. He did an honours degree from New College, Oxford in classics, philosophy, and ancient history, the course known as 'literae humaniores'. He was sent from Britain to draw the map because the colonial rulers thought that he would be 'neutral'. For context, his mission came amid Britain's hasty plans to withdraw from colonies like India, as it was drowning under debt due to the ravages of World War II (1939-1945). Was Cyril Radcliffe really qualified to draw the India Pakistan boundary? Absolutely not, as his career was focused on law, culminating in roles like Law Lord and chairman of public inquiries. He had no expertise in geography or demographics of any place, let alone India. Cyril Radcliffe had no formal qualifications in cartography or map-making, and mostly relied on census data done in the past by British rulers - which was also neither sufficient nor neutral - to draw the international boundary. And remember that the concept of census itself a controversial one. There are arguments that, coming from a largely monotheist nation, British colonialists found it difficult to comprehend the ethnic, racial and religious diversity of the colonies, and used the census as a way to govern. Again, some argue that the census itself was part of the larger 'divide and rule' policy of the British. How did Radcliffe become the man who made the international border of India and Pakistan? Radcliffe was appointed to chair the Boundary Commissions for India’s 1947 partition as he was seen to be a neutral figure. The thought at the time appears to have been that, in the middle of demands by both Hindu and Muslim leaders on how to carve Pakistan out of India, someone with no historical baggage could be a better choice. How did Radcliffe draw the India-Pakistan map? As mentioned, Radcliffe’s process heavily relied upon outdated census data, maps, and limited input from the Boundary Commissions for Punjab and Bengal. These commissions had four representatives each, two from the Indian National Congress and two from the Muslim League. It is understood that conflicting agendas of their leaders led to stalling of the boundary drawing. Radcliffe drew the border by merging the census data and previous maps. He simply looked at the district level data for population, and considered only which community was the numerical majority in specific areas. Remember that these were tens of thousands of villages and towns where Hindus, Muslims, Christians and other communities lived side by side for centuries. But the boundary line drawn by Radcliffe cut through real geographical features, even hills, rivers and mountains. Radcliffe had a tough task, a tight deadline, and he chose the easiest way out British Viceroy Lord Mountbatten was given around five months to make the transition from British India to independent India. He brought it down to just five weeks, even keeping a 'days to go' calendar behind his desk. In total, Radcliffe was tasked with dividing some 175,000 square miles with 88 million people based on which religion was numerically the majority. 'If they call us...': Women Home Guards who served during 1971 Indo-Pak war 'ready to serve again' amid rising tensions post Pahalgam He reportedly considered factors like natural boundaries, irrigation systems, and communication lines, but in the end, clearly failed in accounting for everything. The rivers that run through both India and Pakistan is a case in point. But that's something he couldn't have helped. Radcliffe worked from Shimla, the winter capital of the British, with no time for conducting field surveys on the ground, due to the tight deadline. How Radicllife rushed through his decisions There were points in the boundary drawing process where Radcliffe took his own, unilateral decisions amid bickering among political leaders on which part should go to India and which to Pakistan. The Radcliffe Line was finalised by 9 August 1947, just days ahead of the August 15 Independence Day. But a formal announcement of the boundary was made two days later, on 17 August, to avoid clashing with independence celebrations. And that's when all hell broke loose. The outcome of Radcliffe Line: World's largest forced migration The announcement of the boundary was followed by the actual Partition of India. Hindus living on the other side of this border was given the choice to cross into India. And Muslims had the choice to go to Pakistan. I said 'choice' here, but in actual practice, tens of thousands of villagers had no choice but to leave everything and move to either India or Pakistan, due to fears of attacks from the other community. 'Was LeT involved or not?’: Pakistan faces tough questions at UNSC meeting over Pahalgam attack, council denies ‘false flag’ narrative The hasty process of by which Radcliffe drew the international boundary, in essence, triggered the mass migrations and violence of Partition, the largest forced displacement of humans ever, in which millions died. Radicliffe had never visited India, and stayed only 35 days to cut a line through the map Radcliffe arrived in India on 8 July 1947 and left shortly after submitting his partition map. All in all, he is reported to have spent only 35 days in the country. He never returned. Did he regret his decision? Yes, if we go by the records of his subsequent life. Amid looming war threat, Jammu and Kashmir schools train students on survival, evacuation Radcliffe was reportedly haunted by the partition’s consequences. He eventually refused to accept his 40,000 rupees fee for his work in drawing the map that partitioned India, and burned the relevant papers. Is Radcliffe the only person to blame? No. Lord Mountbatten, and the leaders of India and what became Pakistan at the time, are equally responsible. Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the staunch advocate of two-nation theory was vehement in establishing the Muslim nation of Pakistan, and argued for every inch of land. And Kashmir, where a Hindu king ruled over a Muslim-majority population, was among the most contested. With the five-week timeframe dictated by Mountbatten’s accelerated independence schedule, Radcliffe could not conduct thorough assessments. 'Privileged partnership not subject to...' says Russia as it calls for de-escalation between India and Pakistan He was mostly reliant on secondary sources, past British census data and non-neutral maps of India. And he put speed over precision. Radcliffe drew a squiggly line on a map, and reshaped a subcontinent. And millions suffered, starting from the Partition to the four wars between India and Pakistan.

This man divided India for 40,000 rupees and caused all Indo-Pak wars | Story of the most unscientific border map

Reality of Alcatraz prison Trump wants to reopen - what happened there? In 2004, during a visit to San Francisco, I took a boat trip to Alcatraz prison. It was not a federal penitentiary any more, but a museum. Alcatraz, located in an island off the San Francisco Bay, is an American legend, having housed some of the most notorious criminals in the country like mafia boss Al Capone. Now, as President Donald Trump thinks of reopening the prison to house the most notorious criminals, memories of that trip are flooding back, two decades on. Here is a roundup of the most interesting facts about the prison:
&nbsp;
<iframe width="600" height="auto" style="width: 100%; aspect-ratio: 4/3;" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" class="external-video publive-iframes-block" src="https://cdn.thepublive.com/wion/static/kaltura_player/wion_video_player_iframe.html?thumbnail=wion/media/post_attachments/screenshot/0505_ARJUN_PRISON_10AM/00000002.jpg&amp;videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/0505_ARJUN_PRISON_10AM.mp4/index.m3u8&amp;duration=126&amp;tags=US, Trump, World News, WION" title="US President Donald Trump orders feds to re-open Alcatraz prison" id="PL_iframe_block-mab0ut8p-2l96mhps-mldqeqyi"></iframe>
<h2> Alcatraz prison: Located in the middle of shark-infested waters</h2>
Alcatraz Island, where the Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary is located, is a 22-acre rocky structure in San Francisco Bay, California, some 1.25 miles offshore.
Is takes a boat ride to reach there, and sits amid cold, swift currents and shark-infesteed waters.
These aspects made it an ideal location for a high-security prison, from which escape was deemed nearly impossible.
<h2>History, structure, and security features of Alcatraz prison</h2>
Alcatraz was originally a military fortification in the 1850s. It was converted into a military prison in 1912 and a federal penitentiary in 1934.
The main prison building was a concrete structure designed for maximum security.&nbsp;
The main cellhouse contained 336 cells across three blocks - B, C, and D -&nbsp; each measuring about 5 feet by 9 feet, with a small sink, toilet and cot. D Block housed solitary confinement cells.
Security features included reinforced steel bars, gun galleries, electrified fences, and guard towers. It also had surveillance measures considered modern for its time, including metal detectors and remote-controlled cell doors.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-to-reopen-notorious-alcatraz-as-supermax-prison-for-americas-most-ruthless-offenders-migrants-9033436">Trump to reopen notorious Alcatraz as supermax prison for 'America&rsquo;s most ruthless offenders'</a>
Designed to hold up to 336 inmates, it typically housed around 260&ndash;275 at any given time when operational.
<h2>Notorious Inmates of Alcatraz: From Al Capone to Machine Gun Kelly</h2>
 Alcatraz housed some of America&rsquo;s most notorious criminals who were deemed too dangerous or escape-prone for other facilities, earning its reputation as the 'prison of last resort'.&nbsp;
Among them was the infamous Chicago mob boss Alphonse "Al" Capone. Convicted of tax evasion, Capone was one of Alcatraz&rsquo;s first high-profile inmates, serving time from 1934 to 1939. While at Alcatraz, his health deteriorated due to syphilis, and he was transferred to another prison.
George "Machine Gun" Kelly, the notorious bank robber and kidnapper, was sent to Alcatraz for his role in the kidnapping of Charles Urschel. He was reportedly a model prisoner but boasted of his criminal exploits during his time at Alcatraz in 1934&ndash;1951.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/best-movies-on-prison-break-of-all-time-the-shawshank-redemption-escape-from-alcatraz-and-more-8833684">Best movies on prison break - The Shawshank Redemption, Escape From Alcatraz and more!</a>
 Robert Stroud, called the Birdman of Alcatraz, was another famous prisoner. The murder convict was&nbsp; famous for his study of birds and was mostly in solitary confinement at Alcatraz during his 1942&ndash;1959 stay.
Alvin "Creepy" Karpis, once the dreaded leader of the Barker-Karpis gang, was one of the longest-serving Alcatraz inmates, having served time from 1936 to 1962. He was convicted of kidnapping and bank robbery, and named Public Enemy No 1 at the time of his arrest.
James "Whitey" Bulger, the man who later beame the Boston mob boss, served time at Alcatraz for armed robbery in his younger years, from 1959 to 1962.
&nbsp;
<h2>Alcatraz prison escapes and escape attempts</h2>
In spite of its reputation as escape-proof, at least 14 escape attempts involving 36 inmates were recorded during its 29 years of Alcatraz as a federal penitentiary. Most escapees were recaptured, killed, or presumed drowned in the treacherous waters of San Francisco Bay.&nbsp;
On 16 December 1937, Theodore Cole and Ralph Roe escaped through a workshop window after cutting through the bars. But their escape was not complete, and they were presumed drowned as their bodies were never found.
There was a violent prison break attempt on 2-4 May 1946, called the Battle of Alcatraz.&nbsp;The escape plan was led by Bernard Coy and five others, who overpowered guards, seized weapons, and took control of the cellhouse. But&nbsp;they failed to secure keys to the outer doors, leading to a two-day siege involving US Marines and the Coast Guard. Two guards and three inmates were killed, and two surviving conspirators were later executed.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/italian-prisoners-now-have-sex-rooms-to-spend-time-with-their-partner-8978666">Italian prisoners now have sex rooms to spend time with their partners</a>
But the most famous - and intelligent- escape was on 11 June 1962, by Frank Morris and the Anglin Brothers. Morris and brothers John and Clarence Anglin spent months chiselling through cell walls with spoons and creating papier-m&acirc;ch&eacute; dummy heads to fool guards. They crafted a raft from raincoats and paddled into the bay. Did they escape? Not sure, as their bodies were not found and they were not heard of, though the FBI at the time had concluded that they most likely drowned. A 2015 report claimed the Anglins survived and fled to Brazil, but this is not confirmed.
 Most other attempts were foiled early, with inmates caught in the act or killed by the guards.&nbsp;Of the 36 escapees, 23 were recaptured, 6 were shot dead, and 7 were presumed drowned.
<h2>Closure of Alcatraz: From notorious prison to 'national park'</h2>
&nbsp;
The Alcatraz federal Penitentiary was shut down on 21 March 1963, due to years of high operating costs: it had cost thrice more per inmate than other federal facilities, which worked out to $10 per inmate per day as opposed to $3 elsewhere.
As it was located on an isolated island, all supplies - even water - had to be transported from the shore, The concrete structures wore off due to salty sea air exposure, and started crumbling by the 1960s.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/7-curious-facts-about-alcatraz-the-notorious-prison-trump-wants-to-reopen-9036123">7 Curious Facts About Alcatraz &mdash; The Notorious Prison Trump Wants to Reopen</a>
The cost of repairs was estimated to be $5 million, so it was thought better to close it. There was also public sentiment in favour of shutting the prison due to its inhumane conditions. After it closed, Alcatraz inmates were moved to other federal prisons.
Alcatraz was left vacant until 1969, when Native American activists occupied it for 19 months to protest federal policies.&nbsp;
<h2> Alcatraz: The transformation from prison to tourist site</h2>
In 1972, Alcatraz was declared part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, managed by the National Park Service.&nbsp;Since then, it metamorphosed into a major tourist attraction, with 1.5 million visitors recorded every year.
Alcatraz is a Hollywood legend. Stories from Alcatraz have been made into Hollywood movies, including Escape from Alcatraz (1979) and The Rock (1996). Separately, numerous films and TV shows have been made around the infamous inmates of Alcatraz.&nbsp;
Though it had housed a total of 1,600 inmates, which is much lower than some major prisons in the US currently, Alcatraz remains a legend in public culture.
Currently, a visit to Alcatraz includes tours of the cellhouse, with audio guides from former guards and inmates. The island also hosts a bird sanctuary. But if Trump was not joking and he has his way, it will again go back to being a prison.

Alcatraz Trump wants to send the toughest criminals to the infamous island that once housed Al Capone. Real story of 'Prison of Last Resort' Trending | World

Reality of Alcatraz prison Trump wants to reopen - what happened there? In 2004, during a visit to San Francisco, I took a boat trip to Alcatraz prison. It was not a federal penitentiary any more, but a museum. Alcatraz, located in an island off the San Francisco Bay, is an American legend, having housed some of the most notorious criminals in the country like mafia boss Al Capone. Now, as President Donald Trump thinks of reopening the prison to house the most notorious criminals, memories of that trip are flooding back, two decades on. Here is a roundup of the most interesting facts about the prison: Alcatraz prison: Located in the middle of shark-infested waters Alcatraz Island, where the Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary is located, is a 22-acre rocky structure in San Francisco Bay, California, some 1.25 miles offshore. Is takes a boat ride to reach there, and sits amid cold, swift currents and shark-infesteed waters. These aspects made it an ideal location for a high-security prison, from which escape was deemed nearly impossible. History, structure, and security features of Alcatraz prison Alcatraz was originally a military fortification in the 1850s. It was converted into a military prison in 1912 and a federal penitentiary in 1934. The main prison building was a concrete structure designed for maximum security. The main cellhouse contained 336 cells across three blocks - B, C, and D - each measuring about 5 feet by 9 feet, with a small sink, toilet and cot. D Block housed solitary confinement cells. Security features included reinforced steel bars, gun galleries, electrified fences, and guard towers. It also had surveillance measures considered modern for its time, including metal detectors and remote-controlled cell doors. Trump to reopen notorious Alcatraz as supermax prison for 'America’s most ruthless offenders' Designed to hold up to 336 inmates, it typically housed around 260–275 at any given time when operational. Notorious Inmates of Alcatraz: From Al Capone to Machine Gun Kelly Alcatraz housed some of America’s most notorious criminals who were deemed too dangerous or escape-prone for other facilities, earning its reputation as the 'prison of last resort'. Among them was the infamous Chicago mob boss Alphonse "Al" Capone. Convicted of tax evasion, Capone was one of Alcatraz’s first high-profile inmates, serving time from 1934 to 1939. While at Alcatraz, his health deteriorated due to syphilis, and he was transferred to another prison. George "Machine Gun" Kelly, the notorious bank robber and kidnapper, was sent to Alcatraz for his role in the kidnapping of Charles Urschel. He was reportedly a model prisoner but boasted of his criminal exploits during his time at Alcatraz in 1934–1951. Best movies on prison break - The Shawshank Redemption, Escape From Alcatraz and more! Robert Stroud, called the Birdman of Alcatraz, was another famous prisoner. The murder convict was famous for his study of birds and was mostly in solitary confinement at Alcatraz during his 1942–1959 stay. Alvin "Creepy" Karpis, once the dreaded leader of the Barker-Karpis gang, was one of the longest-serving Alcatraz inmates, having served time from 1936 to 1962. He was convicted of kidnapping and bank robbery, and named Public Enemy No 1 at the time of his arrest. James "Whitey" Bulger, the man who later beame the Boston mob boss, served time at Alcatraz for armed robbery in his younger years, from 1959 to 1962. Alcatraz prison escapes and escape attempts In spite of its reputation as escape-proof, at least 14 escape attempts involving 36 inmates were recorded during its 29 years of Alcatraz as a federal penitentiary. Most escapees were recaptured, killed, or presumed drowned in the treacherous waters of San Francisco Bay. On 16 December 1937, Theodore Cole and Ralph Roe escaped through a workshop window after cutting through the bars. But their escape was not complete, and they were presumed drowned as their bodies were never found. There was a violent prison break attempt on 2-4 May 1946, called the Battle of Alcatraz. The escape plan was led by Bernard Coy and five others, who overpowered guards, seized weapons, and took control of the cellhouse. But they failed to secure keys to the outer doors, leading to a two-day siege involving US Marines and the Coast Guard. Two guards and three inmates were killed, and two surviving conspirators were later executed. Italian prisoners now have sex rooms to spend time with their partners But the most famous - and intelligent- escape was on 11 June 1962, by Frank Morris and the Anglin Brothers. Morris and brothers John and Clarence Anglin spent months chiselling through cell walls with spoons and creating papier-mâché dummy heads to fool guards. They crafted a raft from raincoats and paddled into the bay. Did they escape? Not sure, as their bodies were not found and they were not heard of, though the FBI at the time had concluded that they most likely drowned. A 2015 report claimed the Anglins survived and fled to Brazil, but this is not confirmed. Most other attempts were foiled early, with inmates caught in the act or killed by the guards. Of the 36 escapees, 23 were recaptured, 6 were shot dead, and 7 were presumed drowned. Closure of Alcatraz: From notorious prison to 'national park' The Alcatraz federal Penitentiary was shut down on 21 March 1963, due to years of high operating costs: it had cost thrice more per inmate than other federal facilities, which worked out to $10 per inmate per day as opposed to $3 elsewhere. As it was located on an isolated island, all supplies - even water - had to be transported from the shore, The concrete structures wore off due to salty sea air exposure, and started crumbling by the 1960s. 7 Curious Facts About Alcatraz — The Notorious Prison Trump Wants to Reopen The cost of repairs was estimated to be $5 million, so it was thought better to close it. There was also public sentiment in favour of shutting the prison due to its inhumane conditions. After it closed, Alcatraz inmates were moved to other federal prisons. Alcatraz was left vacant until 1969, when Native American activists occupied it for 19 months to protest federal policies. Alcatraz: The transformation from prison to tourist site In 1972, Alcatraz was declared part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, managed by the National Park Service. Since then, it metamorphosed into a major tourist attraction, with 1.5 million visitors recorded every year. Alcatraz is a Hollywood legend. Stories from Alcatraz have been made into Hollywood movies, including Escape from Alcatraz (1979) and The Rock (1996). Separately, numerous films and TV shows have been made around the infamous inmates of Alcatraz. Though it had housed a total of 1,600 inmates, which is much lower than some major prisons in the US currently, Alcatraz remains a legend in public culture. Currently, a visit to Alcatraz includes tours of the cellhouse, with audio guides from former guards and inmates. The island also hosts a bird sanctuary. But if Trump was not joking and he has his way, it will again go back to being a prison.

'Prison of last resort': Alcatraz, where Trump wants to send toughest criminals, once housed Al Capone. Here is its story

Papal Conclave 2025 - will there ever be a woman Pope? The Roman Catholic Church will open its conclave on May 7 to select the next Pope, in the wake of the death of Pope Francis. Have you ever wondered whether a woman can become the pope? That's a steep hill to climb, as it would upset 2,000 years of tradition. Here is why a woman might never become the pope. 
<iframe width="600" height="auto" style="width: 100%; aspect-ratio: 4/3;" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" class="external-video publive-iframes-block" src="https://cdn.thepublive.com/wion/static/kaltura_player/wion_video_player_iframe.html?thumbnail=wion/media/post_attachments/screenshot/0105_ARJUN_POPE_11AM/00000002.jpg&amp;videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/0105_ARJUN_POPE_11AM.mp4/index.m3u8&amp;duration=188&amp;tags=pope, francis, wion" title="Who Will Be Next Pope? Top Candidates In An Unpredictable Process" id="PL_iframe_block-ma5d4fgd-fu7nbl4i-0lvvaqy2"></iframe>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<h2>Doctrine, tradition and law prevent the selection of a woman pope</h2>
The Roman Catholic Church is built on years of doctrine, tradition and canon law that limit the papacy only to men.
&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-francis-papacy-showered-with-love-and-marred-by-controversy-8985584">Pope Francis' papacy showered with love and marred by controversy</a>
Specifically, Canon 1024 of the Catholic Church Code of Canon Law states that a baptised male can receive the holy orders to become a priest. The position of pope is available only to bishops, who are selected from among priests. Essentially, this shuts the door to women. 
<h2>Texts from Catholic church explicitly opposed the papacy for women </h2>
The recent, foundational text the Catholic Church's position against female ordination came in 1976: 'Inter Insigniores', which means 'Among the Notable' in Latin.
&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/conclave-to-elect-new-pope-to-begin-on-may-7-confirms-vatican-9011212">Conclave to elect new pope to begin on May 7, confirms Vatican. How many days will it last?</a>
It was released by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, and approved by Pope Paul VI.&nbsp;
The document listed the theological and historical arguments against the ordination of women to the priesthood and bishopric. This was first the major document from the 20th century that explicitly opposed women as popes.
This stance was reinforced in 1994 by Pope John Paul II's apostolic letter, or Ordinatio Sacerdotalis.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trumps-id-like-to-be-pope-breaks-internet-as-world-awaits-new-vatican-head-video-9016996">Donald Trump's 'I'd like to be pope' breaks internet as world awaits new Vatican head - Video</a>
The pope maintained that the Catholic Church has no authority to ordain women as priests, and declared this teaching as definitive.
Asserting the reservation of priestly ordination "to men alone", the Pope wrote: "The Church has no authority whatsoever to confer priestly ordination on women". It was written so that "all doubt may be removed regarding a matter of great importance", he added.
Some Catholics have contested this. 
<h2>Why is the Catholic Church opposed to a woman Pope? </h2>
The reason for this can be traced back to tradition and the scriptures of Christianity.
Lord Jesus only chose men as his apostles. The Vatican's stance is that priests and bishops are persona Christi - in the person of Christ -&nbsp; and since Jesus was male, only men can be priests, bishops and therefore, popes.
Traditionally, the pope is elected from cardinals, most of them having served as bishops.
In the 11th century, the Catholic Church established the College of Cardinals, which has always been male-only, and ensured a male papacy. 
<h2>How important were women in the Christian church?</h2>
Women did hold major roles like in early Christian church, such as deaconesses, though they cannot be considered equal to ordained priests.
Since the 3rd Century, women have been excluded from top leadership roles of the church.
<h2>Was Pope Joan a real female pope?</h2>
&nbsp;
In the medieval period, a legend started circulating about Pope Joan, who was described as a 'female' pope.
But it is being seen as a myth, heresy, and probably a veiled satire on the church in the 9th century. 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fake-christian-jd-vance-slammed-for-sharing-good-friday-wishes-because-he-has-hindu-wife-8978356">'Fake Christian': JD Vance slammed for sharing Good Friday wishes BECAUSE he has Hindu wife</a>
While you might find images of Pope Joan if you search the internet today, scholars dismiss the existence of Pope Joan.
<h2>Are there calls for women in top positions in the Church?</h2>
&nbsp;
The Protestant Reformation was among the first periods in which there were calls for women to be ordained as priests. Similar demands were made at the height of the feminist movement in the 20th century.
Some of the churches in the Protestant movement do ordain women, but not the Catholic church.
<h2>What was Pope Francis' position on women in Church? </h2>
Pope&nbsp; Francis is among the pontiffs who gave more roles to women in non-ordained roles, such as advisors and lay ministers. But they also reiterated that the priesthood and papacy should remain with women. In 2020, Pope Francis stressed that women serve in complementary, not ordained, roles.
<h2> Can a woman ever become pope?</h2>
For that to happen, 2,000 years of tradition will have to be changed.
The Catholic Church has always taken a conservative stance regarding women becoming priests.
It may not be impossible, but it could take a lot of time and convincing.

Pope Francis death new pope election Have you ever wondered whether a woman can become the pope? That's a steep hill to climb World | Trending

Papal Conclave 2025 - will there ever be a woman Pope? The Roman Catholic Church will open its conclave on May 7 to select the next Pope, in the wake of the death of Pope Francis. Have you ever wondered whether a woman can become the pope? That's a steep hill to climb, as it would upset 2,000 years of tradition. Here is why a woman might never become the pope. Doctrine, tradition and law prevent the selection of a woman pope The Roman Catholic Church is built on years of doctrine, tradition and canon law that limit the papacy only to men. Pope Francis' papacy showered with love and marred by controversy Specifically, Canon 1024 of the Catholic Church Code of Canon Law states that a baptised male can receive the holy orders to become a priest. The position of pope is available only to bishops, who are selected from among priests. Essentially, this shuts the door to women. Texts from Catholic church explicitly opposed the papacy for women The recent, foundational text the Catholic Church's position against female ordination came in 1976: 'Inter Insigniores', which means 'Among the Notable' in Latin. Conclave to elect new pope to begin on May 7, confirms Vatican. How many days will it last? It was released by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, and approved by Pope Paul VI. The document listed the theological and historical arguments against the ordination of women to the priesthood and bishopric. This was first the major document from the 20th century that explicitly opposed women as popes. This stance was reinforced in 1994 by Pope John Paul II's apostolic letter, or Ordinatio Sacerdotalis. Donald Trump's 'I'd like to be pope' breaks internet as world awaits new Vatican head - Video The pope maintained that the Catholic Church has no authority to ordain women as priests, and declared this teaching as definitive. Asserting the reservation of priestly ordination "to men alone", the Pope wrote: "The Church has no authority whatsoever to confer priestly ordination on women". It was written so that "all doubt may be removed regarding a matter of great importance", he added. Some Catholics have contested this. Why is the Catholic Church opposed to a woman Pope? The reason for this can be traced back to tradition and the scriptures of Christianity. Lord Jesus only chose men as his apostles. The Vatican's stance is that priests and bishops are persona Christi - in the person of Christ - and since Jesus was male, only men can be priests, bishops and therefore, popes. Traditionally, the pope is elected from cardinals, most of them having served as bishops. In the 11th century, the Catholic Church established the College of Cardinals, which has always been male-only, and ensured a male papacy. How important were women in the Christian church? Women did hold major roles like in early Christian church, such as deaconesses, though they cannot be considered equal to ordained priests. Since the 3rd Century, women have been excluded from top leadership roles of the church. Was Pope Joan a real female pope? In the medieval period, a legend started circulating about Pope Joan, who was described as a 'female' pope. But it is being seen as a myth, heresy, and probably a veiled satire on the church in the 9th century. 'Fake Christian': JD Vance slammed for sharing Good Friday wishes BECAUSE he has Hindu wife While you might find images of Pope Joan if you search the internet today, scholars dismiss the existence of Pope Joan. Are there calls for women in top positions in the Church? The Protestant Reformation was among the first periods in which there were calls for women to be ordained as priests. Similar demands were made at the height of the feminist movement in the 20th century. Some of the churches in the Protestant movement do ordain women, but not the Catholic church. What was Pope Francis' position on women in Church? Pope Francis is among the pontiffs who gave more roles to women in non-ordained roles, such as advisors and lay ministers. But they also reiterated that the priesthood and papacy should remain with women. In 2020, Pope Francis stressed that women serve in complementary, not ordained, roles. Can a woman ever become pope? For that to happen, 2,000 years of tradition will have to be changed. The Catholic Church has always taken a conservative stance regarding women becoming priests. It may not be impossible, but it could take a lot of time and convincing.

Can a woman ever become Pope? How 2,000 years of Catholic Church tradition blocks it

2025 Canadian federal election - Jagmeet Singh's loss: Mark Carney, the incumbent prime minister, won the recent Canadian federal elections, but for observers of India-Canada relations, the key candidate was Jagmeet Singh. The New Democratic Party (NDP) leader emerged as the worst loser, far from his earlier role as kingmaker. Carney will lead a minority government of the Liberal Party. Singh's loss may be result in a sigh of relief for Indian decision-makers, given his blatantly open support of the Khalistani separatist movement.&nbsp;
Singh, as the backer of the previous Liberal government, literally made the former prime minister, Justin Trudeau, dance to Bhangra tunes to cling on to power. NDP is not going to be the kingmaker for some time. But it is too early to write the political obituary of Jagmeet Singh. And the Khalistani movement, which he supported and is his political capital, is alive, and will be kicking for some time in Canada.
<iframe width="600" height="auto" style="width: 100%; aspect-ratio: 4/3;" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" class="external-video publive-iframes-block" src="https://cdn.thepublive.com/wion/static/kaltura_player/wion_video_player_iframe.html?thumbnail=wion/media/post_attachments/screenshot/2904_CAN_8PM/00000002.jpg&amp;videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/2904_CAN_8PM.mp4/index.m3u8&amp;duration=252&amp;tags=carney, canada, wion" title="Canada Elections: Pro-khalistani Leader Jagmeet Singh Defeated, Carney Wins Polls" id="PL_iframe_block-ma59s0xq-zlponigy-8tv5tpxa"></iframe>
&nbsp;
<h2>How the Canadian election panned out for Jagmeet Singh and his NDP</h2>
Singh's defeat is being seen as historic, as NDP even lost official party status. Singh himself lost his seat in Burnaby Central, and resigned as NDP leader.
After the April 28 elections for 343 seats, the NDP won seven seats as against 25 in 2021, and only 6.3 per cent of the popular vote, down from 17.8 per cent in 2021. Since it did not win the required 12 seats, NDP lost official party status.&nbsp;
<h2> The Liberal Party victory was partly thanks to Trump</h2>
If there is one factor that helped Carney, and went against NDP, it would be the constant taunting of Canada by the US President Donald Trump. He teased the possibility of Canada becoming the 51st state of the US, and followed it up with a trade war. This created a kind of national unity among Liberal party voters, with US-Canada relations -&nbsp; not so much domestic issues - becoming the key election issue.
&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-new-path-forward-carneys-liberals-secure-victory-in-canadian-elections-amid-trumps-looming-threats-9015254">&lsquo;A new path forward&rsquo;: Carney&rsquo;s Liberals secure victory in Canadian elections amid Trump&rsquo;s looming threats</a>
So, one can argue that the NDP's loss didn't happen 'under normal circumstances'. Singh's political fortunes could have been different if it were not for Trump.
In choosing who could be a good counterforce to Trump, the Canadian voters were split between the Liberals and Conservatives, leaving NDP by the wayside. It is clear from the almost equal popular vote received by the Liberals and Conservatives.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-pro-khalistan-jagmeet-singhs-poll-setback-pave-way-for-canada-to-take-action-against-khalistani-terrorism-9018259">Will pro-Khalistan Jagmeet Singh's poll setback pave way for Canada to take action against Khalistani terrorism?</a>
Out of some 59 seats that flipped parties, all went to either Liberals or Conservatives.
Carney was able to rally the people against Trump rhetoric, proven by the popular vote of 41.6 per cent for the Liberals, which is much higher than 32.6 per cent it got in 2021.
Eventually, the Liberals won 169 seats, just three down from the required majority.&nbsp;
The Conservative Party led by Pierre Poilievre came a close second with 144 seats and an impressive 41.1 per cent of popular votes, which is very close to that of Liberals.
But then, Poilievre lost his own seat in Carleton, Ontario, a shocking upset.&nbsp;
It was the Conservatives who gained from the NDP&rsquo;s epic fail, yet they could not win the election.
The Bloc Qu&eacute;b&eacute;cois party won 22 seats, having lost 13 from its 2021 tally.
<h2>Jagmeet Singh&rsquo;s rise and fall</h2>
&nbsp;
When Jagmeet Singh became the leader of NDP in 2017, it was a proud moment for many Indians, at least at the start. He was the first Sikh, indeed the first person from a visible minority in Canada, to become the leader of a national party. That he came from a community once shunned in Canada in the 20th Century added sweetness to his rise.
The former Ontario MPP, often featured in luxury magazines for his sense of style, was compared to Barack Obama in the US.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indo-canadian-mps-hit-new-high-in-canada-polls-sukh-dhaliwal-anita-anand-9015726">Indo-Canadian MPs hit new high in Canada polls: How many got elected this year? | Full list</a>
In 2022, his agreement to support the Liberal government of Trudeau was seen as the peak point of his power. But by then, Trudeau and his government had become unpopular.&nbsp;
<h2>What happened to Jagmeet Singh's NDP in Canadian election 2025?</h2>
 As mentioned earlier, it was not an election where NDP was a key player. The electorate was mainly divided between the Liberals and Conservatives. &nbsp;It is being observed that there was 'strategic voting': in order to keep Conservatives away from power, many NDP voters may have cast the ballot in favour of Liberal Party candidates.
Singh was personally targeted with attack ads. He also bore the brunt for having kept the unpopualr government of Trudeau in power.
Eventually, his campaign failed to convince the voters, and he finished third in his own seat of Bursaby Central.
&nbsp;
<h2>How bad is Jagmeet Singh's loss in 2025 Canadian election? </h2>
The NDP's performance - down from 24 seats in 2021 to seven in 2025 - is the worst since 1993, when it won nine seats under the leadership of Audrey McLaughlin.
NDP's popular vote was down to 6.3 per cent from 17.8 per cent in 2021.
The NDP stronghold of British Columbia was among places where it lost ground. In Vancouver Island, it lost five out of six seats.
&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/canadian-elections-liberals-victory-has-implications-for-many-including-themselves-9018193">Canadian elections: Liberals&rsquo; victory has implications for many, including themselves</a>
It was totally trounced in Ontario, having lost even seats like Hamilton Centre, which it had held for over 20 years.
<h2>Traditional NDP voters got split between Liberals and Conservatives</h2>
According to reports, NDP lost favour among urban and working class Ridings, some of which were won by Liberals and Conservatives with double-digit margins.
Singh&rsquo;s stint as NDP leader was showing signs of fatigue in the runup to the election.
Losing traditional bases like British Colombia and Ontario was a major concern: NDP won no seats in Ontario, and suffered losses in Metro Vancouver and Vancouver Island.
&nbsp;
<h2>What is the future for Jagmeet Singh? </h2>
Losing the official party status is going to be a big blow for NDP.&nbsp; It means a cut in funding and research support. The party will get less speaking time in the House of Commons. NDP will have lesser representation in key committees, which is crucial for building influence.&nbsp;
Singh could not convert some of his policy victories as the junior partner of the Trudeau government into votes.
His support for Khalistani separtaist movement in Canada impacted his image as a progressive leader.
The party will now have to go back to the working class and progressive constituency it has lost, particularly in British Columbia and Ontario.
There is some hope that, with Singh gone from the limelight, India and Canada can improve their relationship.
But it is far too early to predict that Singh is done and dusted as a leader.
in his concession speech, Singh hinted at the NDP rising up again, using the Sikh concept of &nbsp;&ldquo;Chardi Kala&rdquo; (rising spirits).
In no other time in Canadian political history did the Khalistan movement become such a key issue as during Singh's tenure as NDP chief. By now, that movement has gained momentum. It would take some effort from Indian policymakers to change their course in Canada.
While Singh's exit, for now, as the NDP leader is the 'end of an era moment' for the party, his presence will be crucial for its rebuilding.
To that extent, it is too early to write his political obituary.

Canada election analysis: Jagmeet Singh, khalistani supporter, was once the poster boy of progressives. Now the NDP leader faces a political winter.  World | India News

2025 Canadian federal election - Jagmeet Singh's loss: Mark Carney, the incumbent prime minister, won the recent Canadian federal elections, but for observers of India-Canada relations, the key candidate was Jagmeet Singh. The New Democratic Party (NDP) leader emerged as the worst loser, far from his earlier role as kingmaker. Carney will lead a minority government of the Liberal Party. Singh's loss may be result in a sigh of relief for Indian decision-makers, given his blatantly open support of the Khalistani separatist movement. Singh, as the backer of the previous Liberal government, literally made the former prime minister, Justin Trudeau, dance to Bhangra tunes to cling on to power. NDP is not going to be the kingmaker for some time. But it is too early to write the political obituary of Jagmeet Singh. And the Khalistani movement, which he supported and is his political capital, is alive, and will be kicking for some time in Canada. How the Canadian election panned out for Jagmeet Singh and his NDP Singh's defeat is being seen as historic, as NDP even lost official party status. Singh himself lost his seat in Burnaby Central, and resigned as NDP leader. After the April 28 elections for 343 seats, the NDP won seven seats as against 25 in 2021, and only 6.3 per cent of the popular vote, down from 17.8 per cent in 2021. Since it did not win the required 12 seats, NDP lost official party status. The Liberal Party victory was partly thanks to Trump If there is one factor that helped Carney, and went against NDP, it would be the constant taunting of Canada by the US President Donald Trump. He teased the possibility of Canada becoming the 51st state of the US, and followed it up with a trade war. This created a kind of national unity among Liberal party voters, with US-Canada relations - not so much domestic issues - becoming the key election issue. ‘A new path forward’: Carney’s Liberals secure victory in Canadian elections amid Trump’s looming threats So, one can argue that the NDP's loss didn't happen 'under normal circumstances'. Singh's political fortunes could have been different if it were not for Trump. In choosing who could be a good counterforce to Trump, the Canadian voters were split between the Liberals and Conservatives, leaving NDP by the wayside. It is clear from the almost equal popular vote received by the Liberals and Conservatives. Will pro-Khalistan Jagmeet Singh's poll setback pave way for Canada to take action against Khalistani terrorism? Out of some 59 seats that flipped parties, all went to either Liberals or Conservatives. Carney was able to rally the people against Trump rhetoric, proven by the popular vote of 41.6 per cent for the Liberals, which is much higher than 32.6 per cent it got in 2021. Eventually, the Liberals won 169 seats, just three down from the required majority. The Conservative Party led by Pierre Poilievre came a close second with 144 seats and an impressive 41.1 per cent of popular votes, which is very close to that of Liberals. But then, Poilievre lost his own seat in Carleton, Ontario, a shocking upset. It was the Conservatives who gained from the NDP’s epic fail, yet they could not win the election. The Bloc Québécois party won 22 seats, having lost 13 from its 2021 tally. Jagmeet Singh’s rise and fall When Jagmeet Singh became the leader of NDP in 2017, it was a proud moment for many Indians, at least at the start. He was the first Sikh, indeed the first person from a visible minority in Canada, to become the leader of a national party. That he came from a community once shunned in Canada in the 20th Century added sweetness to his rise. The former Ontario MPP, often featured in luxury magazines for his sense of style, was compared to Barack Obama in the US. Indo-Canadian MPs hit new high in Canada polls: How many got elected this year? | Full list In 2022, his agreement to support the Liberal government of Trudeau was seen as the peak point of his power. But by then, Trudeau and his government had become unpopular. What happened to Jagmeet Singh's NDP in Canadian election 2025? As mentioned earlier, it was not an election where NDP was a key player. The electorate was mainly divided between the Liberals and Conservatives. It is being observed that there was 'strategic voting': in order to keep Conservatives away from power, many NDP voters may have cast the ballot in favour of Liberal Party candidates. Singh was personally targeted with attack ads. He also bore the brunt for having kept the unpopualr government of Trudeau in power. Eventually, his campaign failed to convince the voters, and he finished third in his own seat of Bursaby Central. How bad is Jagmeet Singh's loss in 2025 Canadian election? The NDP's performance - down from 24 seats in 2021 to seven in 2025 - is the worst since 1993, when it won nine seats under the leadership of Audrey McLaughlin. NDP's popular vote was down to 6.3 per cent from 17.8 per cent in 2021. The NDP stronghold of British Columbia was among places where it lost ground. In Vancouver Island, it lost five out of six seats. Canadian elections: Liberals’ victory has implications for many, including themselves It was totally trounced in Ontario, having lost even seats like Hamilton Centre, which it had held for over 20 years. Traditional NDP voters got split between Liberals and Conservatives According to reports, NDP lost favour among urban and working class Ridings, some of which were won by Liberals and Conservatives with double-digit margins. Singh’s stint as NDP leader was showing signs of fatigue in the runup to the election. Losing traditional bases like British Colombia and Ontario was a major concern: NDP won no seats in Ontario, and suffered losses in Metro Vancouver and Vancouver Island. What is the future for Jagmeet Singh? Losing the official party status is going to be a big blow for NDP. It means a cut in funding and research support. The party will get less speaking time in the House of Commons. NDP will have lesser representation in key committees, which is crucial for building influence. Singh could not convert some of his policy victories as the junior partner of the Trudeau government into votes. His support for Khalistani separtaist movement in Canada impacted his image as a progressive leader. The party will now have to go back to the working class and progressive constituency it has lost, particularly in British Columbia and Ontario. There is some hope that, with Singh gone from the limelight, India and Canada can improve their relationship. But it is far too early to predict that Singh is done and dusted as a leader. in his concession speech, Singh hinted at the NDP rising up again, using the Sikh concept of “Chardi Kala” (rising spirits). In no other time in Canadian political history did the Khalistan movement become such a key issue as during Singh's tenure as NDP chief. By now, that movement has gained momentum. It would take some effort from Indian policymakers to change their course in Canada. While Singh's exit, for now, as the NDP leader is the 'end of an era moment' for the party, his presence will be crucial for its rebuilding. To that extent, it is too early to write his political obituary.

Jagmeet Singh's political obituary is being written, but the Khalistan movement he supported thrives in Canada

Indo-Pak war fears after Pahalgam terror attack - Pakistan's nuclear weapons loose talk vs India's responsible doctrine: In my native language, there is a saying: Don't give the jasmine flower to a monkey. The monkey's first instinct will be to pick it apart. It essentially means, something that has to be handled carefully should not be given to someone irresponsible. In the last few days, the rhetoric coming from Pakistan on how its nuclear weapons are not for display, hinting that they will be used against India in case of a war in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, reminded me of how important that old saying I heard a lot during childhood is.
&nbsp;
<iframe width="600" height="auto" style="width: 100%; aspect-ratio: 4/3;" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" class="external-video publive-iframes-block" src="https://cdn.thepublive.com/wion/static/kaltura_player/wion_video_player_iframe.html?thumbnail=wion/media/post_attachments/screenshot/3004_INDIA_7PM_new/00000002.jpg&amp;videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/3004_INDIA_7PM_new.mp4/index.m3u8&amp;duration=218&amp;tags=India, Pakistan, World News, WION" title="Possibility of an attack from India? 4 wars, 4 defeats, Pak risk a fifth" id="PL_iframe_block-ma527t7m-rilomk8b-s362xeyx"></iframe>
<h2>Nuclear weapons are for deterrence </h2>
Let me take another analogy from the wildlife. Nobody, except the trained and the insane, messes with snakes. We are taught early on that snakes have poison in their fangs, so we keep a safe distance. Nuclear weapons have a purpose, and that is not for use at the first sign of war. It is the poison that makes the enemy think twice before a direct attack. In strategic terms, it is called a deterrent. But Pakistan's approach to nuclear weapons is different. It is based on hyperbole because there's no clarity on its nuclear doctrine. India, on the other hand, has been a responsible user of its nuclear weapons state staus. Here is a comparison of India's nuclear doctrine and Pakistan's approach to nuclear weapons.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/pahalgam-terror-attack-nostradamus-study-predicted-indo-pak-war-in-2025-nuclear-war-devastation-india-pakistan-nuke-numbers-9017754">This 'Nostradamus' study predicted Indo-Pak war in 2025. It most likely got the year right, but what did it say on 'nuclear war'?</a>
<h2>India&rsquo;s nuclear doctrine</h2>
India had formulated its nuclear doctrine as early as 2003.&nbsp;
Its core principles are: No first Use (NFU) policy, credible minimum deterrence, and Cold Start doctrine.
<h2>No First Use (NFU) policy of India's nuclear doctrine&nbsp;</h2>
Simply put, it is a promise not to start a nuclear war by not being the first country to use atomic weapons. India would only use nuclear weapons in response to a nuclear attack on its territory or armed forces.
It also pledged not to use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear weapons states.
However, India can use nuclear weapons in response to biological or chemical weapons attacks.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kim-watches-first-test-firing-of-new-warship-weapons-system-orders-speedily-nuclear-armament-for-navy-9017182">Kim watches first test-firing of new warship weapons system, orders speedily nuclear armament for North Korean navy</a>
But don't take NFU for weakness.
Once India retaliates to a first strike with nuclear weapons, it would be massive. It will inflict unacceptable damage. In other words, India's second strike capability, in the extreme level of use, could wipe out the enemy nation from the map.
&nbsp;
<h2>India's Credible Minimum Deterrence</h2>
India's nuclear weapons programme came in spite of continuous pressure from major powers.
This led India to reach a level of sufficiency in nuclear weapons, and then stop.
Credible Minimum Deterrence means India would not go for unnecessary stockpiling of nuclear weapons, instead preferring an arsenal that's sufficient to deter adversaries.&nbsp;
<h2>India's Nuclear Triad, Command and Control</h2>
India's nuclear weapons are under a very clear command and control system.
It has a nuclear triad, which involves land-based missiles, aircraft, and sea-based assets.
The idea is to ensure that India retains a second-strike capability, as it is opposed to first use.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/world/shaadi-tak-jang-rok-do-pakistani-netizens-troll-themselves-amid-indo-pak-war-tensions-9006978">'Shaadi tak jang rok do': Pakistani netizens troll themselves amid Indo-Pak war tensions</a>
The command and control structure is led completely by India's civilian political leadership.
On top of it is the Nuclear Command Authority. The NCA is chaired by the Indian prime minister.
The operational control of India's nuclear assets is with the Strategic Nuclear Command,&nbsp; set up in 2003.
<h2>Cold Start Doctrine: A key aspect of India's nuclear weapons policy</h2>
While Cold Start is not exclusively applicable to nuclear weapons, it has implications for India's nuclear policy also.
Cold start was developed after 2001, and is part of India's conventional military strategy.
It refers to rapid, limited offensives into Pakistan in response to acts by the enemy state, without going into an all-out war.
India's surgical strikes in response to Pakistan-backed terror attacks fall within this category.
The key aspects of a cold start are quick mobilisation of forces aimed at seizing territory before escalating into a nuclear war, and achieving goals before international interventions.
<h2>India's stance on global disarmament: A responsible nuclear power opposed to discrimination&nbsp;</h2>
In the international fora, India has made its stance clear on nuclear weapons by advocating a global, non-discriminatory and verifiable disarmament.
It stands for controlling nuclear weapons and a globally agreed moratorium on nuclear weapons tests.
This is reflected in India not joining the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), which it finds discriminatory.
<h2>India, in summary, is a responsible nuclear power</h2>
India has used its weapons for deterrence while being committed to restraint.
The Cold Start doctrine ensures that a conventional war does not escalate into a nuclear conflict. The case of Pakistan is totally different when it comes to nuclear doctrine.
Remember I told you about the monkey and the jasmine flower? Let me now attempt to figure out what Pakistan's nuclear doctrine is.
<h2>Pakistan's nuclear doctrine is not codified</h2>
The first thing you should note is that there is no formal, single public document that codifies Pakistan&rsquo;s nuclear doctrine.
The second thing you should note is that Pakistan is not committed to, in fact explicitly opposes, no-first-use policy on nuclear weapons. This is what gives politicians the freedom to talk loose: one minister recently said Pakistan's nuclear weapons are not for decoration, but for use against India.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/our-missiles-are-not-for-decoration-pakistani-minister-threatens-india-in-video-says-130-nukes-hanif-abbasi-pahalgam-terror-attack-hammu-and-kashmir-9007072">'Our missiles are not for decoration': Pakistan minister threatens India in video, says 130 nukes...</a>
Whatever can be gathered about Pakistan's nuclear weapons stance is from public statements, military press releases and global think tank analyses.
Pakistan also stresses on credible minimum deterrence. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/inside-india-pakistans-nuclear-arsenals-who-has-more-and-what-would-happen-if-new-delhi-islamabad-unleash-their-nukes-pahalgam-terror-attack-9007737">Inside India, Pakistan&rsquo;s nuclear arsenals: Who has more, and what would happen if New Delhi, Islamabad unleash their nukes?</a>
Pakistan&rsquo;s tactical nuclear weapons, such as the Nasr missile, were developed with the explicit intention to counter India's Cold Start doctrine.&nbsp; 
<h2>First-Use Policy of Pakistan's nuclear weapons</h2>
If one goes by the public statements made by Pakistani generals, the country 'reserves the right' to use nuclear weapons in retaliation against a conventional war.
The nuclear positioning of Pakistan aims to deter India's strength in conventional warfare and its obvious military superiority.&nbsp;
As per claims, and reports available with international observers, Pakistan has achieved credible minimum deterrence, meaning it has enough arsenal to deter aggression.
&nbsp;
<h2>Full Spectrum Deterrence (FSD) in Pakistan's nuclear weapons approach&nbsp;</h2>
Like India, Pakistan also has a nuclear triad involving land, air and sea.
It is reported to possess strategic, operational and tactical nuclear warheads.
Pakistan's nuclear weapons are capable of travelling beyond 3000 kilometres.
This means, at least in theory, it can strike all the way down to southern or eastern India.
&nbsp;
<h2>When Pakistan could use nuclear weapons: Four triggers </h2>
Pakistan has refined its triggers, or nuclear thresholds, while still keeping ambiguity about when it could use atomic weapons.
The four triggers are classified as spatial threshold, military threshold, economic threshold, and political threshold.
Spatial threshold will be triggered in case of Indian military penetration into Pakistani territory, such as the Indus Valley.
Military threshold means destruction of Pakistani armed forces assets, especially its air force, or use of chemical or biological weapons in its territory.
Economic threshold could be breached if actions are taken by the enemy state to strangle the Pakistani economy, for instance, a naval blockade.
It is quite possible, theoretically, that Pakistan can interpret India's abeyance of the Indus Waters Treaty as breaching its economic threshold on the use of nuclear weapons.
The fourth trigger, the political threshold, will be the attack on Pakistan&rsquo;s internal stability by the enemy state.
&nbsp;
<h2>Pakistan's nuclear Command and Control setup</h2>
Pakistan's nuclear command and control is very similar to India's.
It is managed by a National Command Authority or NCA), chaired by the country's prime minister.
A Strategic Plans Division (SPD) oversees nuclear weapons policy, strategy, and operations.
It has been reported that lower-level military officials may have got delegated authority on use of tactical nuclear weapons.
&nbsp;
<h2>Pakistan's strategic ambiguity on nuclear weapons can be a headache for the world</h2>
The lack of a detailed doctrine is part of Pakistan's strategic ambiguity on nuclear weapons.
This allows the leaders and the military to make statements to deter adversaries, essentially leading to nuclear sabrerattling. They feel that this ambiguity on nuclear weapons use would deter the enemy from breaching its thresholds mentioned above. At the same time, this strategic ambiguity is likely to be a threat to the world. Particularly given Pakistans' history of the military taking over power. Now you know why I mentioned the monkey and the jasmine flower.
&nbsp;

Pahalgam attack aftermath - India Pakistan nuclear war fears :  Nuclear weapons have a purpose, and that is not for use at the first sign of war. Pakistan | India News |  Trending | South Asia | Opinions & Blogs

Indo-Pak war fears after Pahalgam terror attack - Pakistan's nuclear weapons loose talk vs India's responsible doctrine: In my native language, there is a saying: Don't give the jasmine flower to a monkey. The monkey's first instinct will be to pick it apart. It essentially means, something that has to be handled carefully should not be given to someone irresponsible. In the last few days, the rhetoric coming from Pakistan on how its nuclear weapons are not for display, hinting that they will be used against India in case of a war in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, reminded me of how important that old saying I heard a lot during childhood is. Nuclear weapons are for deterrence Let me take another analogy from the wildlife. Nobody, except the trained and the insane, messes with snakes. We are taught early on that snakes have poison in their fangs, so we keep a safe distance. Nuclear weapons have a purpose, and that is not for use at the first sign of war. It is the poison that makes the enemy think twice before a direct attack. In strategic terms, it is called a deterrent. But Pakistan's approach to nuclear weapons is different. It is based on hyperbole because there's no clarity on its nuclear doctrine. India, on the other hand, has been a responsible user of its nuclear weapons state staus. Here is a comparison of India's nuclear doctrine and Pakistan's approach to nuclear weapons. This 'Nostradamus' study predicted Indo-Pak war in 2025. It most likely got the year right, but what did it say on 'nuclear war'? India’s nuclear doctrine India had formulated its nuclear doctrine as early as 2003. Its core principles are: No first Use (NFU) policy, credible minimum deterrence, and Cold Start doctrine. No First Use (NFU) policy of India's nuclear doctrine Simply put, it is a promise not to start a nuclear war by not being the first country to use atomic weapons. India would only use nuclear weapons in response to a nuclear attack on its territory or armed forces. It also pledged not to use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear weapons states. However, India can use nuclear weapons in response to biological or chemical weapons attacks. Kim watches first test-firing of new warship weapons system, orders speedily nuclear armament for North Korean navy But don't take NFU for weakness. Once India retaliates to a first strike with nuclear weapons, it would be massive. It will inflict unacceptable damage. In other words, India's second strike capability, in the extreme level of use, could wipe out the enemy nation from the map. India's Credible Minimum Deterrence India's nuclear weapons programme came in spite of continuous pressure from major powers. This led India to reach a level of sufficiency in nuclear weapons, and then stop. Credible Minimum Deterrence means India would not go for unnecessary stockpiling of nuclear weapons, instead preferring an arsenal that's sufficient to deter adversaries. India's Nuclear Triad, Command and Control India's nuclear weapons are under a very clear command and control system. It has a nuclear triad, which involves land-based missiles, aircraft, and sea-based assets. The idea is to ensure that India retains a second-strike capability, as it is opposed to first use. 'Shaadi tak jang rok do': Pakistani netizens troll themselves amid Indo-Pak war tensions The command and control structure is led completely by India's civilian political leadership. On top of it is the Nuclear Command Authority. The NCA is chaired by the Indian prime minister. The operational control of India's nuclear assets is with the Strategic Nuclear Command, set up in 2003. Cold Start Doctrine: A key aspect of India's nuclear weapons policy While Cold Start is not exclusively applicable to nuclear weapons, it has implications for India's nuclear policy also. Cold start was developed after 2001, and is part of India's conventional military strategy. It refers to rapid, limited offensives into Pakistan in response to acts by the enemy state, without going into an all-out war. India's surgical strikes in response to Pakistan-backed terror attacks fall within this category. The key aspects of a cold start are quick mobilisation of forces aimed at seizing territory before escalating into a nuclear war, and achieving goals before international interventions. India's stance on global disarmament: A responsible nuclear power opposed to discrimination In the international fora, India has made its stance clear on nuclear weapons by advocating a global, non-discriminatory and verifiable disarmament. It stands for controlling nuclear weapons and a globally agreed moratorium on nuclear weapons tests. This is reflected in India not joining the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), which it finds discriminatory. India, in summary, is a responsible nuclear power India has used its weapons for deterrence while being committed to restraint. The Cold Start doctrine ensures that a conventional war does not escalate into a nuclear conflict. The case of Pakistan is totally different when it comes to nuclear doctrine. Remember I told you about the monkey and the jasmine flower? Let me now attempt to figure out what Pakistan's nuclear doctrine is. Pakistan's nuclear doctrine is not codified The first thing you should note is that there is no formal, single public document that codifies Pakistan’s nuclear doctrine. The second thing you should note is that Pakistan is not committed to, in fact explicitly opposes, no-first-use policy on nuclear weapons. This is what gives politicians the freedom to talk loose: one minister recently said Pakistan's nuclear weapons are not for decoration, but for use against India. 'Our missiles are not for decoration': Pakistan minister threatens India in video, says 130 nukes... Whatever can be gathered about Pakistan's nuclear weapons stance is from public statements, military press releases and global think tank analyses. Pakistan also stresses on credible minimum deterrence. Inside India, Pakistan’s nuclear arsenals: Who has more, and what would happen if New Delhi, Islamabad unleash their nukes? Pakistan’s tactical nuclear weapons, such as the Nasr missile, were developed with the explicit intention to counter India's Cold Start doctrine. First-Use Policy of Pakistan's nuclear weapons If one goes by the public statements made by Pakistani generals, the country 'reserves the right' to use nuclear weapons in retaliation against a conventional war. The nuclear positioning of Pakistan aims to deter India's strength in conventional warfare and its obvious military superiority. As per claims, and reports available with international observers, Pakistan has achieved credible minimum deterrence, meaning it has enough arsenal to deter aggression. Full Spectrum Deterrence (FSD) in Pakistan's nuclear weapons approach Like India, Pakistan also has a nuclear triad involving land, air and sea. It is reported to possess strategic, operational and tactical nuclear warheads. Pakistan's nuclear weapons are capable of travelling beyond 3000 kilometres. This means, at least in theory, it can strike all the way down to southern or eastern India. When Pakistan could use nuclear weapons: Four triggers Pakistan has refined its triggers, or nuclear thresholds, while still keeping ambiguity about when it could use atomic weapons. The four triggers are classified as spatial threshold, military threshold, economic threshold, and political threshold. Spatial threshold will be triggered in case of Indian military penetration into Pakistani territory, such as the Indus Valley. Military threshold means destruction of Pakistani armed forces assets, especially its air force, or use of chemical or biological weapons in its territory. Economic threshold could be breached if actions are taken by the enemy state to strangle the Pakistani economy, for instance, a naval blockade. It is quite possible, theoretically, that Pakistan can interpret India's abeyance of the Indus Waters Treaty as breaching its economic threshold on the use of nuclear weapons. The fourth trigger, the political threshold, will be the attack on Pakistan’s internal stability by the enemy state. Pakistan's nuclear Command and Control setup Pakistan's nuclear command and control is very similar to India's. It is managed by a National Command Authority or NCA), chaired by the country's prime minister. A Strategic Plans Division (SPD) oversees nuclear weapons policy, strategy, and operations. It has been reported that lower-level military officials may have got delegated authority on use of tactical nuclear weapons. Pakistan's strategic ambiguity on nuclear weapons can be a headache for the world The lack of a detailed doctrine is part of Pakistan's strategic ambiguity on nuclear weapons. This allows the leaders and the military to make statements to deter adversaries, essentially leading to nuclear sabrerattling. They feel that this ambiguity on nuclear weapons use would deter the enemy from breaching its thresholds mentioned above. At the same time, this strategic ambiguity is likely to be a threat to the world. Particularly given Pakistans' history of the military taking over power. Now you know why I mentioned the monkey and the jasmine flower.

Don't give jasmine flowers to a monkey: Pakistan's nuclear war loose talk and India's no first use policy, compared

indian student deportation case : Indian student Akshar Patel's case exposed the eerie ways in which the Trump adiministration's agencies are tracking down and picking out international students for deportation. The agencies had to admit their&nbsp;processes during a recent court hearing on Patel's student visa status.
The legal status of Patel, who was studying information systems in Texas, was terminated and then reinstated earlier in April. He approached the court for an interim ruling against deportation.
During the court hearing into his case on Tuesday (Apr 29), disturbing details emerged on how the security agencies are hunting down potential 'violators' of international student visa norms.&nbsp;
A Washington DC judge hearing Patel's case blasted the authorities, calling the termination of records of international students in the SEVIS system "arbitrary and capricious."
SEVIS, or Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, is a database on the status of foreign students. Those not abiding by the conditions of their visa can have their SEVIS status withdrawn, and in worst cases, deported.
<h2><iframe width="600" height="auto" style="width: 100%; aspect-ratio: 4/3;" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" class="external-video publive-iframes-block" src="https://cdn.thepublive.com/wion/static/kaltura_player/wion_video_player_iframe.html?thumbnail=wion/media/post_attachments/screenshot/1503_WION_visa_4pm/00000002.jpg&amp;videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/1503_WION_visa_4pm.mp4/index.m3u8&amp;duration=155&amp;tags=India, Ranjani Srinivasan, World News, WION" title="Indian student Ranjani Srinivasan self-deports after visa revocation" id="PL_iframe_block-ma3ujchx-4yfn0p2r-m108yseu"></iframe></h2>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<h2>How the security agencies track international students for deportation</h2>
By the government's admission, the process involved running the students' names against several criminal databases. The 'crimes' included even petty offences, and in some cases, which eventually resulted in them being let go.
Some 6,400 students were identified in the database search, US District Judge Ana Reyes said in the hearing.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kilmar-abrego-garcia-if-jesus-were-alive-today-trump-would-have-deported-him-says-tim-walzs-daughter-on-kilmar-abrego-garcia-8981747">If Jesus &lsquo;were alive today&rsquo; Trump would have deported him, says Tim Walz's daughter on Kilmar Abrego Garcia row</a>
An official of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) admitted in court that they ran the names of student visa holders against an FBI database: the National Crime Information Center.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/speed-up-aliens-deportation-elon-musks-doge-goons-building-deportation-machine-from-sensitive-personal-data-9005331">'Speed up aliens' deportation': Elon Musk's DOGE goons building 'deportation machine' from sensitive personal data</a>
The database had information related to crimes: suspect names, missing persons reports, arrests (including those not charged or had their charges dropped).
The DHS official told the court that Patel is 'lawfully present in the US' and 'not subject to immediate detention or removal'.
<h2>How Akshar Patel got caught in the government hunt for students to deport</h2>
&nbsp;
Patel was one of the students whose names appeared in the government search. His offence? Having been pulled over and charged with reckless driving in 2018. The charge was ultimately dropped.
Yet, he was still in a spreadsheet with 734 students whose names cropped up in the database search by Trump authorities.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/not-innocent-trump-administrations-flip-flop-deportation-adds-to-american-mans-woes-in-el-salvador-8985778">Not 'innocent': Trump administration's flip-flop deportation adds to American man's woes in El Salvador</a>
The court heard that the spreadsheet was forwarded to the official of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
&ldquo;Please terminate all in SEVIS,&rdquo; the DHS official ordered within 24 hours of receiving the data sheet.
Thousands of international students were targeted this way in the new 'policy' for finding grounds for terminating their legal status, according to a report in the Associated Press.
&nbsp;
<h2>Amid fear of deportation, students go into hiding</h2>
In the past few weeks, many international students found that their records were removed from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement database.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/illegal-unconstitutional-who-is-vml-2-year-old-us-toddler-deported-by-trump-administration-with-no-meaningful-process-9005749">'Illegal, unconstitutional': Who is VML? 2-year-old US toddler deported by Trump administration &lsquo;with no meaningful process'</a>
Colleges subsequently warned students of the imminent deportation possibility, asking them to stop taking classes or working.
Many of the students had their legal status restored after court cases.
Some of the students' record was marked 'failure to maintain status'. Fearing deportation, some of them went into hiding, or left their studies to return to their home countries.
&nbsp;

Akshar Patel international student deportation case: Student records were removed from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement database.  World | India news | Trending

indian student deportation case : Indian student Akshar Patel's case exposed the eerie ways in which the Trump adiministration's agencies are tracking down and picking out international students for deportation. The agencies had to admit their processes during a recent court hearing on Patel's student visa status. The legal status of Patel, who was studying information systems in Texas, was terminated and then reinstated earlier in April. He approached the court for an interim ruling against deportation. During the court hearing into his case on Tuesday (Apr 29), disturbing details emerged on how the security agencies are hunting down potential 'violators' of international student visa norms. A Washington DC judge hearing Patel's case blasted the authorities, calling the termination of records of international students in the SEVIS system "arbitrary and capricious." SEVIS, or Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, is a database on the status of foreign students. Those not abiding by the conditions of their visa can have their SEVIS status withdrawn, and in worst cases, deported. How the security agencies track international students for deportation By the government's admission, the process involved running the students' names against several criminal databases. The 'crimes' included even petty offences, and in some cases, which eventually resulted in them being let go. Some 6,400 students were identified in the database search, US District Judge Ana Reyes said in the hearing. If Jesus ‘were alive today’ Trump would have deported him, says Tim Walz's daughter on Kilmar Abrego Garcia row An official of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) admitted in court that they ran the names of student visa holders against an FBI database: the National Crime Information Center. 'Speed up aliens' deportation': Elon Musk's DOGE goons building 'deportation machine' from sensitive personal data The database had information related to crimes: suspect names, missing persons reports, arrests (including those not charged or had their charges dropped). The DHS official told the court that Patel is 'lawfully present in the US' and 'not subject to immediate detention or removal'. How Akshar Patel got caught in the government hunt for students to deport Patel was one of the students whose names appeared in the government search. His offence? Having been pulled over and charged with reckless driving in 2018. The charge was ultimately dropped. Yet, he was still in a spreadsheet with 734 students whose names cropped up in the database search by Trump authorities. Not 'innocent': Trump administration's flip-flop deportation adds to American man's woes in El Salvador The court heard that the spreadsheet was forwarded to the official of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). “Please terminate all in SEVIS,” the DHS official ordered within 24 hours of receiving the data sheet. Thousands of international students were targeted this way in the new 'policy' for finding grounds for terminating their legal status, according to a report in the Associated Press. Amid fear of deportation, students go into hiding In the past few weeks, many international students found that their records were removed from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement database. 'Illegal, unconstitutional': Who is VML? 2-year-old US toddler deported by Trump administration ‘with no meaningful process' Colleges subsequently warned students of the imminent deportation possibility, asking them to stop taking classes or working. Many of the students had their legal status restored after court cases. Some of the students' record was marked 'failure to maintain status'. Fearing deportation, some of them went into hiding, or left their studies to return to their home countries.

REVEALED: Indian student Akshar Patel's case exposes how Trump govt checks into FBI criminal databases for deportations

Indo Pak war in 2025 - the study that probably got the year right talked about a nuclear war too:&nbsp; A study from 2019 got the possible year of a potential India-Pakistan war eerily close to reality. It said the war could happen in 2025, and now, a military confrontation between India and Pakistan seems likely in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack of April 22. The study had projected several things, but the main focus was on what would happen if the war goes nuclear. Here is what it said:
<iframe width="600" height="auto" style="width: 100%; aspect-ratio: 4/3;" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" class="external-video publive-iframes-block" src="https://cdn.thepublive.com/wion/static/kaltura_player/wion_video_player_iframe.html?thumbnail=wion/media/post_attachments/screenshot/3004_ARJUN_UNSC_11AM/00000002.jpg&amp;videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/3004_ARJUN_UNSC_11AM.mp4/index.m3u8&amp;duration=265&amp;tags=india, pakistan, pahalgam , terrorism" title="India-Pak tensions: LeT proxy TRF responsible for killing 26 civilians in Phalgam" id="PL_iframe_block-ma3psdam-gwawktmc-ug092o0x"></iframe>
<h2>Who did the study on Indo-Pak war in 2025?</h2>
The study was led by University of Colorado scientists, along with Rutgers University researchers.&nbsp;It was published in the Science Advances journal.
The study used inputs from US National Center for Atmospheric Research, Federation of American Scientists, Natural Resources Defense Council, University of Texas Rio Grande and University of California at Los Angeles.
<h2>Why was the study on Indo-Pak war in 2025 carried out?</h2>
The main purpose of the study was to warn against a nuclear war, and to emphasise the importance of the global conventions against it .
Specifically, it highlighted the importance of the 2017 UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.
The authors carried out projections based on available data at the time, to show how devastating an atomic war between the two south Asian notions could be, not only for the region but also for the whole world.
<h2>What did the 2019 study on Indo-Pak conflict say about nuclear war?</h2>
&nbsp;
As per the study, in case of a nuclear war, 100 million people would die immediately.&nbsp;
Between 50 million and 125 million people could die from after-effects of the war, if India used 100 nuclear strategic weapons and Pakistan used 150, projected the study, using computer simulations.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/crushing-blow-to-terrorism-pm-modi-gives-complete-freedom-to-indian-armed-forces-to-act-against-pakistan-after-pahalgam-attack-jammu-and-kashmir-9015508">'Crushing blow to terrorism': PM Modi gives 'complete freedom' to armed forces to act against Pakistan after Pahalgam attack</a>
A mass starvation across the globe could eventually follow, leading to more deaths.
&ldquo;Such a war would threaten not only the locations where bombs might be targeted but the entire world,&rdquo;&nbsp; Alan Robock at Rutgers University's environmental sciences department, who co-authored the study, said at the time.
<h2>The 2019 study projected up to 500 nuclear weapons for India, Pakistan in 2025&nbsp;</h2>
&nbsp;
India and Pakistan have been traditionally described by security analysts as two nuclear-armed states within striking distance of each other.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/pahalgam-terror-attack-pakistan-minister-claims-india-planning-military-strike-within-next-24-to-36-hours-9017756">Pahalgam terror attack: Pakistan minister claims India planning 'military strike within next 24 to 36 hours'</a>
As per the projections in the 2019 study, India could have a combined 400 to 500 nuclear weapons by 2025.
The explosive power of these weapons could range anywhere from 15 kilotonnes. That's&nbsp;15,000 tonnes of TNT, similar to the US bomb dropped on Hiroshima in 1945.
<h2>A nuclear war aftermath: projections by the study</h2>
&nbsp;
The explosions from nuclear weapons of India and Pakistan, if used, could lead to fires that can release 16 million to 36 mn tonnes of soot, or black carbon.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistani-man-claims-he-voted-in-indian-elections-has-ration-card-staying-here-for-last-17-years-9016977">Pakistani man claims he voted in Indian elections, has ration card: 'Staying here for last 17 years'</a>
This smoke would go into the Earth's upper atmosphere and cover the whole world within weeks.
As per the study's projections, the soot would absorb solar radiation and heat the air.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-cancels-russia-visit-for-victory-day-parade-on-may-9-india-will-be-represented-at-different-level-9017892">PM Modi cancels Russia visit for Victory Day Parade on May 9, India will be represented at different level</a>
As a result of the spreading smoke, sunlight would decline by up to 35 per cent, the study projected.
This will in turn lead to the cooling of the Earth's surface by up to 5 degrees Celsius.
Precipitation will come down by up to 30 per cent.
<h2>Environmental impact of an Indo-Pak nuclear war&nbsp;</h2>
&nbsp;
The study projected a fall in vegetation growth by up to 30 per cent. Ocean productivity would decline by up to 15 per cent.&nbsp;
It said that these impacts would take at least 10 years to recover from, as the smoke would stay in the atmosphere.
&nbsp;

India Pakistan war in 2025 - the study that got the year right talked about a nuclear war too. Pahalgam terror attack. Pakisan India News South Asia Trending

Indo Pak war in 2025 - the study that probably got the year right talked about a nuclear war too: A study from 2019 got the possible year of a potential India-Pakistan war eerily close to reality. It said the war could happen in 2025, and now, a military confrontation between India and Pakistan seems likely in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack of April 22. The study had projected several things, but the main focus was on what would happen if the war goes nuclear. Here is what it said: Who did the study on Indo-Pak war in 2025? The study was led by University of Colorado scientists, along with Rutgers University researchers. It was published in the Science Advances journal. The study used inputs from US National Center for Atmospheric Research, Federation of American Scientists, Natural Resources Defense Council, University of Texas Rio Grande and University of California at Los Angeles. Why was the study on Indo-Pak war in 2025 carried out? The main purpose of the study was to warn against a nuclear war, and to emphasise the importance of the global conventions against it . Specifically, it highlighted the importance of the 2017 UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. The authors carried out projections based on available data at the time, to show how devastating an atomic war between the two south Asian notions could be, not only for the region but also for the whole world. What did the 2019 study on Indo-Pak conflict say about nuclear war? As per the study, in case of a nuclear war, 100 million people would die immediately. Between 50 million and 125 million people could die from after-effects of the war, if India used 100 nuclear strategic weapons and Pakistan used 150, projected the study, using computer simulations. 'Crushing blow to terrorism': PM Modi gives 'complete freedom' to armed forces to act against Pakistan after Pahalgam attack A mass starvation across the globe could eventually follow, leading to more deaths. “Such a war would threaten not only the locations where bombs might be targeted but the entire world,” Alan Robock at Rutgers University's environmental sciences department, who co-authored the study, said at the time. The 2019 study projected up to 500 nuclear weapons for India, Pakistan in 2025 India and Pakistan have been traditionally described by security analysts as two nuclear-armed states within striking distance of each other. Pahalgam terror attack: Pakistan minister claims India planning 'military strike within next 24 to 36 hours' As per the projections in the 2019 study, India could have a combined 400 to 500 nuclear weapons by 2025. The explosive power of these weapons could range anywhere from 15 kilotonnes. That's 15,000 tonnes of TNT, similar to the US bomb dropped on Hiroshima in 1945. A nuclear war aftermath: projections by the study The explosions from nuclear weapons of India and Pakistan, if used, could lead to fires that can release 16 million to 36 mn tonnes of soot, or black carbon. Pakistani man claims he voted in Indian elections, has ration card: 'Staying here for last 17 years' This smoke would go into the Earth's upper atmosphere and cover the whole world within weeks. As per the study's projections, the soot would absorb solar radiation and heat the air. PM Modi cancels Russia visit for Victory Day Parade on May 9, India will be represented at different level As a result of the spreading smoke, sunlight would decline by up to 35 per cent, the study projected. This will in turn lead to the cooling of the Earth's surface by up to 5 degrees Celsius. Precipitation will come down by up to 30 per cent. Environmental impact of an Indo-Pak nuclear war The study projected a fall in vegetation growth by up to 30 per cent. Ocean productivity would decline by up to 15 per cent. It said that these impacts would take at least 10 years to recover from, as the smoke would stay in the atmosphere.

This 'Nostradamus' study predicted Indo-Pak war in 2025. It most likely got the year right, but what did it say on 'nuclear war'?

Pahalgam terror attack can lead to Indo Pak war that will help Army Chief Asim Munir emerge as Pakistan leader:&nbsp; Pakistani politicians, who have had a rather chequered relationship with its military, are now rallying behind its army, with the defence minister saying there could be an 'all-out-war' if India goes for an all-out attack in response to the Pahalgam terror attack of April 22. Such a stance is exactly what the Pakistani Army, and specifically its chief Gen Asim Munir would want, given the current political and economic situation of the South Asian nation. Pakistan desperately needs something that unifies it. A war could be just that. What Pakistani politicians do not realise is that a war with India could only lead to the sidelining of politicians and eventually the rise of dictatorships.
&nbsp;
<iframe width="600" height="auto" style="width: 100%; aspect-ratio: 4/3;" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" class="external-video publive-iframes-block" src="https://cdn.thepublive.com/wion/static/kaltura_player/wion_video_player_iframe.html?thumbnail=wion/media/post_attachments/screenshot/2404_G2_PAK_9PM/00000002.jpg&amp;videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/2404_G2_PAK_9PM.mp4/index.m3u8&amp;duration=480&amp;tags=pakistan, chief, pahalam" title="Has Pakistan Army Chief Gen. Munir launched the next jihad? " id="PL_iframe_block-m9wn1sbq-m4yt1phc-ks8lzax7"></iframe>
&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pahalgam-terror-attack-inspired-by-asim-munir-remarks-on-kashmir-is-our-jugular-vein-what-pakistan-army-chief-said-just-days-ago-8992482">Asim Munir, an inspiration for terrorists: Pahalgam attack came exactly a week after Pakistan Army chief said 'Kashmir is our jugular vein'</a>
 Last time Pakistan went into a war with India, a dictatorship emerged under Pervez Musharraf. This time, Asim Munir may be hoping for a similar turn of events. In all these years, politicians helped the Army get into wars with India. Look at what Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said:&nbsp;&ldquo;If there is an all-out attack or something like that, then obviously there will be an all-out war.&rdquo;
He was responding to questions from UK-based Sky News on the Pahalgam attack that killed 26 Indian civilians, even as he accused India of 'staging' the attack in Baisaran valley.
Asif belongs to the Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's ruling PML- (N) party.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pahalgam-terror-attack-indo-pak-war-who-is-pakistan-army-chief-asim-munir-is-he-son-of-imam-quran-scholar-full-profile-8999837">Pak Army Chief Asim Munir: Son of imam, 'Islamic scholar', may have an Indo-Pak war to deal with. What is his story?</a>
But pause here for a moment, and look at what the former minister from PML-N's arch rival, Imran Khan's PTI party, said. In response to India suspending the Indus Waters Treaty in the wake of the terror attack, Fawad Choudhry wrote on social media: "Pakistan is politically divided but united as a nation. [But] if attacked or threatened by India, all groups&mdash;PML-N, PPP, PTI, JUI, and others&mdash;will rally together under the Pakistani flag to defend our homeland."&nbsp; This is the perennial problem with Pakistani political-military relationship. The politicians play right into the hands of the military. And it could eventually bring Gen Asim Munir to the centre, both as the leader of its military, and possibly of the nation.
<h2>Gen Munir wants a return to the Islamic roots of Pakistan, and a war can help that</h2>
Asim Munir is a military chief steeped in Islamic learning. His father was an imam, and he learned the Quran by heart. He uses Quranic verses in his speeches. He does not miss a chance to share his knowledge of Islam at public fora. It is at one such event, addressing the overseas Pakistanis, that he re-invoked the two-nation theory and the Hindu-Muslim binary as justification for the creation of Pakistan. He exhorted the gathering to tell future generations Pakistan's story. In the same speech, he made invective-laden remarks about Kashmir, describing it as the 'jugular vein' of Pakistan.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bsf-jawan-detained-by-pakistan-rangers-after-accidentally-crossing-border-family-seeks-information-9000648">BSF jawan detained by Pakistan Rangers after accidentally crossing border, family seeks information</a>
 Kashmir, Islam, Hindu-Muslim identity clash, and India: This is the deadly cocktail that helped Pakistan leaders stay in power. India has always been misused for domestic political gain. The politician-army chief duo of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and&nbsp;General Muhammad Zia-ul Haq did exactly the same. They are behind the 'bleed India through a thousand cuts' doctrine of the Pakistan military: low intensity conflict and insurgencies fomented and backed by Islamabad to make India suffer. Zia eventually oversaw the ouster and hanging of Bhutto, and became Pakistan's military dictator.
<h2>Pakistan Army is fed up of political instability, and may be tired of pulling strings from behind</h2>
&nbsp;
After Musharraf exited power, there were many years of relative political stability in Pakistan. Elections were held and there were relatively peaceful transfers of power. But the army continued to pull strings from behind. It got tired of Nawaz Sharif's rule, and propped up former cricketer Imran Khan. It is no secret that the election that led to Khan becoming the PM was stage-managed by the army. But then, Imran Khan had different ideas on how to run the nation, and army did not like it.
The Army now wants to be back in charge, and a war with India is best excuse for that.
<h2>Imran Khan is the biggest threat to Munir, and only nationalism can rally all parties&nbsp;</h2>
&nbsp;
Overseas Pakistanis are the hope of Pakistan, but they have traditionally been mostly aligned with Imran Khan. That's the reason why Munir chose to address the overseas Pakistani convention and used the kind of rhetoric not suitable for a man in uniform. Weaning away supporters of Khan is not easy. It is well-known in Pakistan that Khan is among the most ardent critics of Munir. In a letter from jail this February, Khan reportedly criticised Munir on a number of issues: Pakistan's economic uncertainties, the conduct of the last general election that led to Shahbaz Sharif becoming prime minister, among other things.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rafales-and-su-30s-lead-indian-air-forces-exercise-aakraman-amid-tensions-with-pakistan-9000497">Rafales and Su-30s lead Indian Air Force's Exercise 'Aakraman' amid tensions with Pakistan. Aakraman means attack</a>
Khan talked about the &ldquo;widening distance between the people and the establishment."
He asked the army chief to reconsider some of the policies of 'the establishment', which is code word for the armed forces controlling practically all aspects of life in Pakistan.
Khan said these policies were 'fomenting resentment' among the public and widening the gap between civilians and the military.&nbsp; Only something unifying can change Pakistani people's attitude towards the Army. A war with India could just be the anecdote.

pahalgam terror attack indo-pak war: Dictatorship emerged in Pakistan after wars with India. Asim Munir may become one. Pakistan South Asia Trending Opinions & Blogs

Pahalgam terror attack can lead to Indo Pak war that will help Army Chief Asim Munir emerge as Pakistan leader: Pakistani politicians, who have had a rather chequered relationship with its military, are now rallying behind its army, with the defence minister saying there could be an 'all-out-war' if India goes for an all-out attack in response to the Pahalgam terror attack of April 22. Such a stance is exactly what the Pakistani Army, and specifically its chief Gen Asim Munir would want, given the current political and economic situation of the South Asian nation. Pakistan desperately needs something that unifies it. A war could be just that. What Pakistani politicians do not realise is that a war with India could only lead to the sidelining of politicians and eventually the rise of dictatorships. Asim Munir, an inspiration for terrorists: Pahalgam attack came exactly a week after Pakistan Army chief said 'Kashmir is our jugular vein' Last time Pakistan went into a war with India, a dictatorship emerged under Pervez Musharraf. This time, Asim Munir may be hoping for a similar turn of events. In all these years, politicians helped the Army get into wars with India. Look at what Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said: “If there is an all-out attack or something like that, then obviously there will be an all-out war.” He was responding to questions from UK-based Sky News on the Pahalgam attack that killed 26 Indian civilians, even as he accused India of 'staging' the attack in Baisaran valley. Asif belongs to the Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's ruling PML- (N) party. Pak Army Chief Asim Munir: Son of imam, 'Islamic scholar', may have an Indo-Pak war to deal with. What is his story? But pause here for a moment, and look at what the former minister from PML-N's arch rival, Imran Khan's PTI party, said. In response to India suspending the Indus Waters Treaty in the wake of the terror attack, Fawad Choudhry wrote on social media: "Pakistan is politically divided but united as a nation. [But] if attacked or threatened by India, all groups—PML-N, PPP, PTI, JUI, and others—will rally together under the Pakistani flag to defend our homeland." This is the perennial problem with Pakistani political-military relationship. The politicians play right into the hands of the military. And it could eventually bring Gen Asim Munir to the centre, both as the leader of its military, and possibly of the nation. Gen Munir wants a return to the Islamic roots of Pakistan, and a war can help that Asim Munir is a military chief steeped in Islamic learning. His father was an imam, and he learned the Quran by heart. He uses Quranic verses in his speeches. He does not miss a chance to share his knowledge of Islam at public fora. It is at one such event, addressing the overseas Pakistanis, that he re-invoked the two-nation theory and the Hindu-Muslim binary as justification for the creation of Pakistan. He exhorted the gathering to tell future generations Pakistan's story. In the same speech, he made invective-laden remarks about Kashmir, describing it as the 'jugular vein' of Pakistan. BSF jawan detained by Pakistan Rangers after accidentally crossing border, family seeks information Kashmir, Islam, Hindu-Muslim identity clash, and India: This is the deadly cocktail that helped Pakistan leaders stay in power. India has always been misused for domestic political gain. The politician-army chief duo of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and General Muhammad Zia-ul Haq did exactly the same. They are behind the 'bleed India through a thousand cuts' doctrine of the Pakistan military: low intensity conflict and insurgencies fomented and backed by Islamabad to make India suffer. Zia eventually oversaw the ouster and hanging of Bhutto, and became Pakistan's military dictator. Pakistan Army is fed up of political instability, and may be tired of pulling strings from behind After Musharraf exited power, there were many years of relative political stability in Pakistan. Elections were held and there were relatively peaceful transfers of power. But the army continued to pull strings from behind. It got tired of Nawaz Sharif's rule, and propped up former cricketer Imran Khan. It is no secret that the election that led to Khan becoming the PM was stage-managed by the army. But then, Imran Khan had different ideas on how to run the nation, and army did not like it. The Army now wants to be back in charge, and a war with India is best excuse for that. Imran Khan is the biggest threat to Munir, and only nationalism can rally all parties Overseas Pakistanis are the hope of Pakistan, but they have traditionally been mostly aligned with Imran Khan. That's the reason why Munir chose to address the overseas Pakistani convention and used the kind of rhetoric not suitable for a man in uniform. Weaning away supporters of Khan is not easy. It is well-known in Pakistan that Khan is among the most ardent critics of Munir. In a letter from jail this February, Khan reportedly criticised Munir on a number of issues: Pakistan's economic uncertainties, the conduct of the last general election that led to Shahbaz Sharif becoming prime minister, among other things. Rafales and Su-30s lead Indian Air Force's Exercise 'Aakraman' amid tensions with Pakistan. Aakraman means attack Khan talked about the “widening distance between the people and the establishment." He asked the army chief to reconsider some of the policies of 'the establishment', which is code word for the armed forces controlling practically all aspects of life in Pakistan. Khan said these policies were 'fomenting resentment' among the public and widening the gap between civilians and the military. Only something unifying can change Pakistani people's attitude towards the Army. A war with India could just be the anecdote.

Asim Munir, Pakistani army chief, probably wants to be like dictator Zia, and politicians are playing into his hands | Reasons, listed

War-mongering in South Asia after Pahalgam attack. India and Pakistan nuclear-armed, within striking distance of each other. nuclear war? Pakistan South Asia India News Trending photos

'Can kill 50-125 million people': What an India-Pakistan nuclear war of less than a week might look like

Why Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir might have an Indo Pak war to deal with:&nbsp;It is being widely reported that the Pahalgam terror attack of April 22 was linked to Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir's 'two-nation theory' speech in which he also roused passions about Kashmir by describing it as the 'jugular vein' of Pakistan. It is time to understand why he is different from his recent predecessors. Here is the story of Gen Asim Munir. 
<h2>Pak Army Chief Gen Asim Munir: Son of imam, 'Islamic scholar', learner of Quran </h2>
Unlike his predecessors, Gen Munir claims to be from a humble background, born to a father who was a school teacher and an imam. He also uses Islamic verses and concepts in his speeches, hinting that he is a scholar of his religion.
This positioning is important, as those who have done it in the past have eventually led Pakistan to war with India. Munir's predecessors were sons of military men or bureaucrats. As you will see from the snapshot of his career, he probably feels sidestepped in his career, particularly due to his run-ins with politicians.
&nbsp;
<h2>Gen Asim Munir: The back story</h2>
 Syed Asim Munir Ahmed Shah was born in 1966 in Rawalpindi, Pakistan.
His family is of Punjabi Syed descent and had migrated from Jalandhar, India, after India's Partition in 1947.
The family settled down in Rawalpindi. His father, Syed Sarwar Munir, was a school principal at FG Technical High School, Lalkurti in Rawalpindi.
Asim Munir is married to Syeda Irum Asim, and they have three children. His net worth, estimated at approximately $800,000-$1 million, primarily comes from his salary and allowances.
&nbsp;
<h2>Gen Asim Munir, the Islamic scholar </h2>
It is fair to assume that Munir grew up in a household that inculcated Islamic religious learning, as his father also served as an imam at Masjid-al-Quraish, delivering Friday sermons.
Munir himself is said to be a Hafiz-e-Quran, a term that refers to those who have memorised Islam's Holy Book Quran in its entirety.&nbsp;
<h2>Gen Asim Munir: Military career that began in the Zia era</h2>
Munir, who was appointed the Army chief on 29 November 2022, started his army career in 1986, when&nbsp; Zia-ul-Haq was at the helm of Pakistan. It is fair to say he was inspired by Zia, who also legitimised his control over the army, and later the nation, on his adherence to Islamic principles.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-responds-after-pakistan-army-initiates-firing-at-some-places-on-loc-8999356">India responds after Pakistan Army initiates firing at some places on LoC, ceasefire violations reported in Kupwara district</a>
A graduate from the Officers Training School (OTS) in Mangla with the Sword of Honour, Munir was commissioned into the 23rd Battalion of the Frontier Force Regiment.
Early into his career, he served in Saudi Arabia and Siachen Glacier.&nbsp;
These two postings are significant. It is said that he learned the Quran by heart while in Saudi Arabia, and Siachen Glacier is the high-altitude post where he may have come in direct confrontation with the Indian armed forces.
<h2>Asim Munir spent some time in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir</h2>
Asim Munir served as Chief of Staff of 'I Strike Corps' Mangla, which is located in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir.
He was also a Force Commander, Northern Areas.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/asim-munirs-hindu-muslim-pakistan-two-nation-theory-rant-motive-could-be-overseas-pakistani-money-amid-poverty-8972146">It's the money, honey: Pak Army chief Asim Munir's Hindu-Muslim, two-nation rant motive could be more overseas Pakistani funds amid debt</a>
Munir holds an MPhil in Public Policy and Strategic Security Management from the National Defence University, Islamabad.
He has attended military courses in Japan and Malaysia.&nbsp;
<h2>Asim Munir, the intel chief, served the shortest term as chief of ISI&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>
In the 2016-2018 period, Munir served as the Director-General of Military Intelligence.
He was promoted to Lieutenant General in 2018,&nbsp; and became the Director-General of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), the Pakistani intelligence agency, from October 2018 to June 2019.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/gen-asim-munir-speech-pakistan-hindu-muslim-what-is-two-nation-theory-separatism-terrorism-bangladesh-what-you-should-know-8975092">What is two-nation theory mentioned in Pakistan Gen Asim Munir's Hindu vs Muslim speech, and how successful is it? Origin, aftermath</a>
Significantly, this was the shortest tenure for a director-general in ISI history.
The reason was Munir's tensions with then-Prime Minister Imran Khan, about which the now-jailed politician has been very vocal. But that's a whole other story.
Between 2019 and 2021, Munir commanded the 'XXX Corps' in Gujranwala, Punjab province, and was Quartermaster General before his appointment as Chief of Army Staff (COAS).
<h2>Gen Munir inherited a tough situation as COAS </h2>
Gen Munir's career as COAS started at the height of several crises: the continuing conflicts with Afghanistan in the wake of the Taliban taking over, and the Baloch insurgency kept him busy on the western front. Terrorism continued to thrive in Pakistan, with various groups like the Islamic State attacking Pakistanis regularly through bombings and shootings.&nbsp;
The political strife in Pakistan, particularly the protests in the wake of Imran Khan's arrest and jailing, was another issue.
&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/asim-munir-osama-bin-laden-are-same-says-top-us-security-expert-slamming-pakistan-for-pahalgam-attack-8996211">'Can put lipstick on a pig, but...': US security expert likens Asim Munir to Osama Bin Laden, slams Pakistan for Pahalgam attack</a>
But the hardest part for Pakistan was helping Pakistan stabilise its economy, which was in doldrums due to decades of mismanagement.
It is at this juncture that, while speaking at a diaspora convention in Islamabad in early April, Gen Munir exhorted Pakistanis to remember the two-nation theory that led to the creation of Pakistan.
He reiterated the long-held view of Pakistani hawks that Hindus and Muslims are totally different communities. He also clearly mentioned that Kashmir is the 'jugular vein' of Pakistan.&nbsp;
All this, it now appears, was inspiring rhetoric for terrorists who share his same worldview. And they struck at Indian tourists, killing at least 27 people in Pahalgam.&nbsp; And now, Gen Asim Munir has a possible war with India to deal with.&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Pahalgam terror attack can lead to an Indo-Pak war. Who is army chief Asim Munir, son of imam, quran scholar? India News | South Asia Trending

Why Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir might have an Indo Pak war to deal with: It is being widely reported that the Pahalgam terror attack of April 22 was linked to Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir's 'two-nation theory' speech in which he also roused passions about Kashmir by describing it as the 'jugular vein' of Pakistan. It is time to understand why he is different from his recent predecessors. Here is the story of Gen Asim Munir. Pak Army Chief Gen Asim Munir: Son of imam, 'Islamic scholar', learner of Quran Unlike his predecessors, Gen Munir claims to be from a humble background, born to a father who was a school teacher and an imam. He also uses Islamic verses and concepts in his speeches, hinting that he is a scholar of his religion. This positioning is important, as those who have done it in the past have eventually led Pakistan to war with India. Munir's predecessors were sons of military men or bureaucrats. As you will see from the snapshot of his career, he probably feels sidestepped in his career, particularly due to his run-ins with politicians. Gen Asim Munir: The back story Syed Asim Munir Ahmed Shah was born in 1966 in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. His family is of Punjabi Syed descent and had migrated from Jalandhar, India, after India's Partition in 1947. The family settled down in Rawalpindi. His father, Syed Sarwar Munir, was a school principal at FG Technical High School, Lalkurti in Rawalpindi. Asim Munir is married to Syeda Irum Asim, and they have three children. His net worth, estimated at approximately $800,000-$1 million, primarily comes from his salary and allowances. Gen Asim Munir, the Islamic scholar It is fair to assume that Munir grew up in a household that inculcated Islamic religious learning, as his father also served as an imam at Masjid-al-Quraish, delivering Friday sermons. Munir himself is said to be a Hafiz-e-Quran, a term that refers to those who have memorised Islam's Holy Book Quran in its entirety. Gen Asim Munir: Military career that began in the Zia era Munir, who was appointed the Army chief on 29 November 2022, started his army career in 1986, when Zia-ul-Haq was at the helm of Pakistan. It is fair to say he was inspired by Zia, who also legitimised his control over the army, and later the nation, on his adherence to Islamic principles. India responds after Pakistan Army initiates firing at some places on LoC, ceasefire violations reported in Kupwara district A graduate from the Officers Training School (OTS) in Mangla with the Sword of Honour, Munir was commissioned into the 23rd Battalion of the Frontier Force Regiment. Early into his career, he served in Saudi Arabia and Siachen Glacier. These two postings are significant. It is said that he learned the Quran by heart while in Saudi Arabia, and Siachen Glacier is the high-altitude post where he may have come in direct confrontation with the Indian armed forces. Asim Munir spent some time in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir Asim Munir served as Chief of Staff of 'I Strike Corps' Mangla, which is located in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir. He was also a Force Commander, Northern Areas. It's the money, honey: Pak Army chief Asim Munir's Hindu-Muslim, two-nation rant motive could be more overseas Pakistani funds amid debt Munir holds an MPhil in Public Policy and Strategic Security Management from the National Defence University, Islamabad. He has attended military courses in Japan and Malaysia. Asim Munir, the intel chief, served the shortest term as chief of ISI In the 2016-2018 period, Munir served as the Director-General of Military Intelligence. He was promoted to Lieutenant General in 2018, and became the Director-General of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), the Pakistani intelligence agency, from October 2018 to June 2019. What is two-nation theory mentioned in Pakistan Gen Asim Munir's Hindu vs Muslim speech, and how successful is it? Origin, aftermath Significantly, this was the shortest tenure for a director-general in ISI history. The reason was Munir's tensions with then-Prime Minister Imran Khan, about which the now-jailed politician has been very vocal. But that's a whole other story. Between 2019 and 2021, Munir commanded the 'XXX Corps' in Gujranwala, Punjab province, and was Quartermaster General before his appointment as Chief of Army Staff (COAS). Gen Munir inherited a tough situation as COAS Gen Munir's career as COAS started at the height of several crises: the continuing conflicts with Afghanistan in the wake of the Taliban taking over, and the Baloch insurgency kept him busy on the western front. Terrorism continued to thrive in Pakistan, with various groups like the Islamic State attacking Pakistanis regularly through bombings and shootings. The political strife in Pakistan, particularly the protests in the wake of Imran Khan's arrest and jailing, was another issue. 'Can put lipstick on a pig, but...': US security expert likens Asim Munir to Osama Bin Laden, slams Pakistan for Pahalgam attack But the hardest part for Pakistan was helping Pakistan stabilise its economy, which was in doldrums due to decades of mismanagement. It is at this juncture that, while speaking at a diaspora convention in Islamabad in early April, Gen Munir exhorted Pakistanis to remember the two-nation theory that led to the creation of Pakistan. He reiterated the long-held view of Pakistani hawks that Hindus and Muslims are totally different communities. He also clearly mentioned that Kashmir is the 'jugular vein' of Pakistan. All this, it now appears, was inspiring rhetoric for terrorists who share his same worldview. And they struck at Indian tourists, killing at least 27 people in Pahalgam. And now, Gen Asim Munir has a possible war with India to deal with.

Pak Army Chief Asim Munir: Son of imam, 'Islamic scholar', may have an Indo-Pak war to deal with. What is his story?

Pahalgam terror attack - India's military options against 'terror sponsor' Pakistan: India will identify, track and punish those behind the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 27 innocent civilians in Kashmir, vowed Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (Apr 24). His speech came hours after India issued a slew of non-military measures to cut down ties with Pakistan, including the halt of the Indus water sharing treaty. A former Pakistani minister described these measures as 'childish'. What that ex-minister fears, and India awaits, is a much stronger Indian military response against Pakistan. What are India's options? And what do past responses to Pakistani betrayal and Pakistan-fomented terrorism indicate? Here is a roundup of what happened in the past, and what could/should happen next.
&nbsp;
<iframe width="600" height="auto" style="width: 100%; aspect-ratio: 4/3;" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" class="external-video publive-iframes-block" src="https://cdn.thepublive.com/wion/static/kaltura_player/wion_video_player_iframe.html?thumbnail=wion/media/post_attachments/screenshot/2404_GUEST_4PM/00000002.jpg&amp;videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/2404_GUEST_4PM.mp4/index.m3u8&amp;duration=442&amp;tags=pahalgam, india, j&amp;K, terror attack" title="India-Pak row: India: Pakistan's defence, navy and air advisers told to go back" id="PL_iframe_block-m9vbm0dw-d3zml496-c0kw6bt6"></iframe>
<h2>PM Modi's warning to terrorists and their backers </h2>
&nbsp;At least 27 people, mostly tourists from different states of India were shot dead in the deadliest attack on civilians since the Mumbai terror strike of 2008. In his first public speech since the Apr 22 attack, Modi said in Bihar that India's spirit will never be broken by terrorism, adding every terrorist and their backers will be punished.
"We will pursue them to the ends of the earth," he said.
"India will identify, track and punish the Pahalgam perpetrators. Every effort will be made to ensure justice is done," Modi said, while thanking every nation that stood by India in condemning terrorism.
<h2>India's five punishments to Pakistan</h2>
 Modi was speaking hours after India announced steps to downgrade its relations with Pakistan. The steps announced after a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security on Wednesday were:
<div data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody">&gt; Putting the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance</div>
<div></div>
<div>&gt;&nbsp; Closure of Attari-Wagah Border crossing between India and Pakistan</div>
<div></div>
<div>&gt;&nbsp; Ban on Pakistani nationals under SAARC visas</div>
<div></div>
<div>&gt; Expulsion of Pakistani military advisors (Army, Navy and Air Force)</div>
<div></div>
<div>&gt; Reduction in diplomatic presence to 30 from 55</div>
<h2> How Pakistan responded to India's measures</h2>
 On Thursday, just around the time Modi was speaking, Pakistan called India's move on the Indus Waters treaty an 'act of war' and warned that it has the right to suspend all treaties, including the Simla pact.
It also took reciprocal measures on closing the border post, asking Indians in the country to leave, suspending visas (except for Sikh pilgrims), and reducing diplomatic presence as well as declaring military advisors persona non grata. Pakistan has also closed its airspace to Indian airlines. It halted trade, directly with India or passing through Pakistan.
Earlier, former information and technology minister Fawad Chaudhry called India's measures childish. In a social media post, he said: "India under international law cannot put Indian Basin treaty in abeyance, it will be gross violation of treaty law, this childish decision will effect only poor farmers &nbsp;of Punjab and Sindh."
He added: "If attacked or threatened by India, all groups&mdash;PML-N, PPP, PTI, JUI, and others&mdash;will rally together under the Pakistani flag to defend our homeland."&nbsp; 
<h2>How India has responded militarily to Pakistan in the past</h2>
Chaudhry's remarks are symptomatic of the cycle of Pakistan's attitude towards terrorism: support, reject responsibility, and then dismiss India. It is time to remind Pakistan that its creation is from the Partition of India. It is time to remind who the parent, and who the child is.
In the past, India has responded militarily to Pakistan's betrayals, including cross-border infiltration and Pakistan-sponsored terrorism.
&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/act-of-war-pakistan-copies-indias-diplomatic-actions-after-pahalgam-attack-suspends-trade-warns-to-end-simla-pact-8997477">'Act of War': Pakistan copies India's diplomatic actions after Pahalgam attack, suspends trade, warns to end Simla Agreement</a>
In 1999, even as India and Pakistan were talking peace, the Kargil War happened as a consequence of cross-border infiltration of terrorists, supported by regular Pakistani soldiers. India's Operation Vijay was successful, with around 4,000 casualties for Pakistan, both soldiers and terrorists, after a weeks-long high-altitude battle.&nbsp;
On 13 December, 2001, Pakistan-backed terrorists attacked the Indian Parliament. India conducted Operation Parakram, a massive mobilisation of 500,000 troops along the India-Pakistan border. But it did not lead to a war despite being the largest such mobilisation since the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971.
Pakistan was forced to ban Jaish-e-Mohammed, one of the terror groups involved in the attack, while the other, Laskar e Taiba (LeT), continued to thrive and orchestrated the Pahalgam attack.
On 29 September 2016, Pakistan-based terrorists attacked an army installation in Uri, killing 19 Indian soldiers. India responded with a surgical Strike, the first of its kind. The cross-border attack targetted terror training camps and launching pads across the Indian border, with Indian commandos going up to three kilometres into the Pakistani territory and killing terrorists.&nbsp;
In spite of this, Pakistan-based terrorists did not keep quiet. In 2019, a suicide bombing on a vehicle carrying Indian paramilitary troops killed at least 40 people. India did yet another surgical strike, this time using its air force, inside Balakot in Khyber Pakhtunhwa province, targeting Jaish-e-Mohammad training camps. Pakistan retaliated, leading to a dogfight that resulted in India downing an F-16 fighter jet, which had been given to Pakistan by the US.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pahalgam-terror-attack-india-suspends-indus-water-treaty-with-pakistan-what-is-it-8994958">Pahalgam terror attack: India suspends Indus Waters treaty, what is it and how will it affect Pakistan</a>
Indian air force pilot Abhinandan Varthaman was captured by Pakistan, but under intense pressure, he was released by the then government of Imran Khan.
<h2>What should India's response be after Pahalgam? Options that should be on the table</h2>
While several terror figures have been killed by unidentified assailants, and conspirators jailed and extradited, the new generation does not have the patience to wait for decades for justice to be served.
Conventional, asymmetrical warfare can have only a limited effect.&nbsp;
Diplomatic punishments are not new for Pakistan.
It is time to end this menace, once and for all.
<h2>Maximum, continuous pressure</h2>
Indian government should exert maximum, continuous military pressure on Pakistan. A war cabinet that includes opposition leaders, making them the stakeholders, should not be ruled out, given that India is united behind its leaders across party divides.
India has the option to withdraw from the non-agression treaties related to nuclear war. India has strictly adhered to no first use, but it has not paid any great dividends. Such a withdrawal is possibly a better deterrent for Pakistan.
&nbsp;
<h2>Sorties of planes, drone surveillance, and military presence on all borders</h2>
India should start constant monitoring of Pakistan over air, land and sea.
It can involve moving Indian Navy assets to the northwestern seas.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pahalgam-terror-attack-what-is-simla-agreement-that-pakistan-threatened-to-withdraw-from-amid-rising-tensions-8997756">Pahalgam terror attack: What is Simla Agreement that Pakistan threatened to withdraw from amid rising tensions?</a>
The Northern Command can move missiles and missile defence systems and place them close to the border on the upper reaches of India-Pakistan border.&nbsp;
Drones as well as manned and unmanned aircraft can constantly do surveillance sorties along the border.
This will keep the terrorists and their backers on tenterhooks.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<h2>Find, eliminate terrorists in their homes and camps</h2>
India has to declare that it is in a state of war with Pakistan, instead of trying to adhere to the 2021 ceasefire along the Line of Control, which has been constantly violated by Pakistan in any case. More airstrikes and cruise missile strikes should be the norm, not selective.
Whenever needed, Indian forces should go into both Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir and Pakistan to eliminate terror camps and terrorists. 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/time-to-finish-pm-modi-vows-to-pursue-terrorists-to-end-of-earth-after-pahalgam-terror-attack-alarms-nation-8997249">'Time to finish...': PM Modi vows to pursue terrorists 'to end of earth' after Pahalgam terror attack alarms nation</a>
The Indian Army should be mobilised to all key installations in Kashmir.
All tourist destinations should be given security cover by Indian armed forces, so that more tourists can go to Kashmir. Tourism and terrorism cannot mix, and the Army and paramilitary forces should ensure this.
&nbsp;
<div class="gh-post-page__content ">
<div class="post-page-main-content-8493927 gh-post-content-container">
<div class="post-content">
Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.
</div>
<div class="posts-tags"></div>
</div>
</div>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Pahalgam terror attack: India awaits a strong military response against Pakistan. What are India's options? India News |  Opinions & Blogs | South Asia  | Trending

Pahalgam terror attack - India's military options against 'terror sponsor' Pakistan: India will identify, track and punish those behind the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 27 innocent civilians in Kashmir, vowed Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (Apr 24). His speech came hours after India issued a slew of non-military measures to cut down ties with Pakistan, including the halt of the Indus water sharing treaty. A former Pakistani minister described these measures as 'childish'. What that ex-minister fears, and India awaits, is a much stronger Indian military response against Pakistan. What are India's options? And what do past responses to Pakistani betrayal and Pakistan-fomented terrorism indicate? Here is a roundup of what happened in the past, and what could/should happen next. PM Modi's warning to terrorists and their backers At least 27 people, mostly tourists from different states of India were shot dead in the deadliest attack on civilians since the Mumbai terror strike of 2008. In his first public speech since the Apr 22 attack, Modi said in Bihar that India's spirit will never be broken by terrorism, adding every terrorist and their backers will be punished. "We will pursue them to the ends of the earth," he said. "India will identify, track and punish the Pahalgam perpetrators. Every effort will be made to ensure justice is done," Modi said, while thanking every nation that stood by India in condemning terrorism. India's five punishments to Pakistan Modi was speaking hours after India announced steps to downgrade its relations with Pakistan. The steps announced after a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security on Wednesday were: > Putting the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance > Closure of Attari-Wagah Border crossing between India and Pakistan > Ban on Pakistani nationals under SAARC visas > Expulsion of Pakistani military advisors (Army, Navy and Air Force) > Reduction in diplomatic presence to 30 from 55 How Pakistan responded to India's measures On Thursday, just around the time Modi was speaking, Pakistan called India's move on the Indus Waters treaty an 'act of war' and warned that it has the right to suspend all treaties, including the Simla pact. It also took reciprocal measures on closing the border post, asking Indians in the country to leave, suspending visas (except for Sikh pilgrims), and reducing diplomatic presence as well as declaring military advisors persona non grata. Pakistan has also closed its airspace to Indian airlines. It halted trade, directly with India or passing through Pakistan. Earlier, former information and technology minister Fawad Chaudhry called India's measures childish. In a social media post, he said: "India under international law cannot put Indian Basin treaty in abeyance, it will be gross violation of treaty law, this childish decision will effect only poor farmers of Punjab and Sindh." He added: "If attacked or threatened by India, all groups—PML-N, PPP, PTI, JUI, and others—will rally together under the Pakistani flag to defend our homeland." How India has responded militarily to Pakistan in the past Chaudhry's remarks are symptomatic of the cycle of Pakistan's attitude towards terrorism: support, reject responsibility, and then dismiss India. It is time to remind Pakistan that its creation is from the Partition of India. It is time to remind who the parent, and who the child is. In the past, India has responded militarily to Pakistan's betrayals, including cross-border infiltration and Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. 'Act of War': Pakistan copies India's diplomatic actions after Pahalgam attack, suspends trade, warns to end Simla Agreement In 1999, even as India and Pakistan were talking peace, the Kargil War happened as a consequence of cross-border infiltration of terrorists, supported by regular Pakistani soldiers. India's Operation Vijay was successful, with around 4,000 casualties for Pakistan, both soldiers and terrorists, after a weeks-long high-altitude battle. On 13 December, 2001, Pakistan-backed terrorists attacked the Indian Parliament. India conducted Operation Parakram, a massive mobilisation of 500,000 troops along the India-Pakistan border. But it did not lead to a war despite being the largest such mobilisation since the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971. Pakistan was forced to ban Jaish-e-Mohammed, one of the terror groups involved in the attack, while the other, Laskar e Taiba (LeT), continued to thrive and orchestrated the Pahalgam attack. On 29 September 2016, Pakistan-based terrorists attacked an army installation in Uri, killing 19 Indian soldiers. India responded with a surgical Strike, the first of its kind. The cross-border attack targetted terror training camps and launching pads across the Indian border, with Indian commandos going up to three kilometres into the Pakistani territory and killing terrorists. In spite of this, Pakistan-based terrorists did not keep quiet. In 2019, a suicide bombing on a vehicle carrying Indian paramilitary troops killed at least 40 people. India did yet another surgical strike, this time using its air force, inside Balakot in Khyber Pakhtunhwa province, targeting Jaish-e-Mohammad training camps. Pakistan retaliated, leading to a dogfight that resulted in India downing an F-16 fighter jet, which had been given to Pakistan by the US. Pahalgam terror attack: India suspends Indus Waters treaty, what is it and how will it affect Pakistan Indian air force pilot Abhinandan Varthaman was captured by Pakistan, but under intense pressure, he was released by the then government of Imran Khan. What should India's response be after Pahalgam? Options that should be on the table While several terror figures have been killed by unidentified assailants, and conspirators jailed and extradited, the new generation does not have the patience to wait for decades for justice to be served. Conventional, asymmetrical warfare can have only a limited effect. Diplomatic punishments are not new for Pakistan. It is time to end this menace, once and for all. Maximum, continuous pressure Indian government should exert maximum, continuous military pressure on Pakistan. A war cabinet that includes opposition leaders, making them the stakeholders, should not be ruled out, given that India is united behind its leaders across party divides. India has the option to withdraw from the non-agression treaties related to nuclear war. India has strictly adhered to no first use, but it has not paid any great dividends. Such a withdrawal is possibly a better deterrent for Pakistan. Sorties of planes, drone surveillance, and military presence on all borders India should start constant monitoring of Pakistan over air, land and sea. It can involve moving Indian Navy assets to the northwestern seas. Pahalgam terror attack: What is Simla Agreement that Pakistan threatened to withdraw from amid rising tensions? The Northern Command can move missiles and missile defence systems and place them close to the border on the upper reaches of India-Pakistan border. Drones as well as manned and unmanned aircraft can constantly do surveillance sorties along the border. This will keep the terrorists and their backers on tenterhooks. Find, eliminate terrorists in their homes and camps India has to declare that it is in a state of war with Pakistan, instead of trying to adhere to the 2021 ceasefire along the Line of Control, which has been constantly violated by Pakistan in any case. More airstrikes and cruise missile strikes should be the norm, not selective. Whenever needed, Indian forces should go into both Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir and Pakistan to eliminate terror camps and terrorists. 'Time to finish...': PM Modi vows to pursue terrorists 'to end of earth' after Pahalgam terror attack alarms nation The Indian Army should be mobilised to all key installations in Kashmir. All tourist destinations should be given security cover by Indian armed forces, so that more tourists can go to Kashmir. Tourism and terrorism cannot mix, and the Army and paramilitary forces should ensure this. Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.

Pahalgam terror attack: Someone in Pakistan called India's steps 'childish'. Time to show who's the father | military options, listed

Author

Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Vinod Janardhanan

Home

Live Tv

Latest

World

India

Business

Entertainment

Sports

Opinions

Videos

Photos

Gravitas

Lifestyle

Science

Tech

Rajasthan News in Hindi: In-depth coverage of Rajasthan Crime, Political News, Education, Rajasthan Weather Update and Latest Rajasthan News on Zee News Rajasthan.