After Pakistan conducted nuclear tests in May 1998 in response to India's detonations, it was widely believed that the two countries would no longer engage in a war due to the fear of nuclear catastrophe. This belief led to a historic development when then Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee travelled to Lahore by bus, in a landmark visit aimed at opening a new chapter in the bilateral relations.

During this visit, both sides agreed to resolve all outstanding issues, including the longstanding Kashmir dispute. Pakistan's decision to go nuclear appeared to have paid strategic dividends. India had realised that with Pakistan's nuclear capability, conventional war was no longer a viable option. This was seen as a significant strategic advantage for Pakistan.

However, a few Generals led by then Army Chief General Pervez Musharraf had different ideas. They believed that conventional war — whether limited or full-scale — was off the table due to Pakistan's nuclear deterrence. This flawed assumption led to the........

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