The airstrikes came without warning. Indian fighter jets crossed into Pakistani territory, striking locations in Azad Kashmir. Indian officials described the operation as a response to the April 22 tragedy in Pahalgam.

But the targets were not combatants. The missiles landed in civilian areas. Homes were destroyed. Children were among the dead. Entire families were erased in seconds, and local communities are still searching through debris for remains. Pakistan’s military responded swiftly, intercepting multiple aircraft and launching targeted retaliatory strikes across the Line of Control. The region once again stood on the brink.

The escalation has drawn international attention. Leaders in Washington, Beijing and Moscow have called for restraint. The UN has urged dialogue. But these appeals, however well-intentioned, miss a critical truth. There is no balance in a situation where one side fires the first shot and the other is asked to show the most patience. Calls for calm must begin with clarity.

In the hours after the Pahalgam incident, the Indian government accused Pakistan of orchestrating the attack. No investigation had taken place. No evidence was presented. The narrative was issued immediately and repeated consistently. This pattern is not new. When violence erupts in Indian-occupied Kashmir, the political instinct in........

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