The recent Indo-Pak crisis has been temporarily defused by a still fragile ceasefire. Yet, this crisis has major policy implications not only for the subcontinent, but for the world's two major global superpowers, the US and China, which are locked in increasingly intensive great power competition.

The impact of the unfolding great power competition has become particularly acute within South Asia. Much has been said about Pakistan's historical alliances with the US, and its growing strategic embrace with China, and America's simultaneous bet to help prop up India to counter China. However, these strategic policy postures cannot remain static but must instead be subjected to constant revision.

The post-Pahalgam conflict was a defining moment which should provide strategic thinkers and policymakers ample reasons to reassess their postures, especially if they want to prevent another steep and slippery escalatory crisis between the neighbouring nuclearised rivals.

Pakistan did not take long to side with the US during the Cold War, joining regional........

© The Express Tribune