The aftermath of the Pulwama terror attacks in 2019 unfolded a high-stakes diplomatic scenario between India and Pakistan. A new book by Ajay Bisaria, the former High Commissioner to Pakistan, sheds light on the desperate attempts made by then-Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan to prevent a potential Indian missile attack, leading to a midnight diplomatic exchange.
Pakistan’s Intelligence on Indian Missiles:
Ajay Bisaria reveals that Pakistan possessed credible information about India’s preparation to launch nine missiles into its territory. The act was deemed as unprecedented aggression, pushing Pakistan to seek urgent measures to avert a full-blown military crisis.
Imran Khan’s Midnight Call to PM Modi:
Fearing an Indian missile strike, Imran Khan initiated a desperate midnight call to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Pakistani High Commissioner, Sohail Mehmood, orchestrated the call and contacted his Delhi counterpart, Ajay Bisaria. Imran Khan conveyed his concerns to Bisaria despite Prime Minister Modi’s unavailability.
Balakote Airstrikes and Escalation:
The events unfolded a day after the Balakote airstrikes carried out by the Indian Air Force on terror hideouts in Pakistan on February 26, 2019. This retaliatory action came in response to the Pulwama terror attack on Indian forces on February 14, 2019.
International Intervention: U.S. and U.K. Envoys Mediate for De-escalation:
Overnight, U.S. and U.K. envoys in Delhi relayed messages to India’s foreign secretary, asserting that Pakistan was willing to de-escalate the situation. The book highlights their commitment to address India’s concerns and act on the provided dossier while also seriously engaging with the issue of terrorism.
Wing Commander Abhinandan’s Release: Result of Coercive Diplomacy:
The book emphasizes that the release of Indian Air Force pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman by Pakistan as a “peace gesture” was a result of India’s coercive diplomacy. This move demonstrated India’s clear expectations, backed by a credible resolve to escalate the crisis if necessary.
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