In the early hours of last night, South Asia was jolted by alarming news: India launched an unprovoked military strike inside Pakistan’s territory, a brazen act of aggression that was swiftly met with a powerful and proportionate response from Pakistan’s armed forces. Reports indicate that Pakistan successfully downed seven Indian jets and drones during its defensive operation. While Pakistan’s swift action reestablished deterrence, the gravity of India’s reckless move cannot be overstated—it represents a flagrant violation of international law and threatens the fragile peace of the region.

India’s action is not merely a hostile act between two neighboring states; it constitutes a direct breach of the United Nations Charter, which strictly prohibits the use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state. Article 2(4) of the Charter is unambiguous: states must refrain from the threat or use of force in their international relations. By launching a cross-border attack without provocation, without authorization from the UN Security Council, and outside any recognized legal justification such as self-defense, India has violated this cardinal principle of international law.

Under customary international law........

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