An Open Letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi

An Open Letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi
By Sqn. Ldr. Nusrat Hussain
Dear Prime Minister Narendra Modi,
On April 22, 2025, a tragic terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir claimed the lives of 28 tourists and injured 17 others. The shameful targeting of unarmed civilians is unequivocally condemned.
Within minutes of the incident, your government laid direct blame on Pakistan—without conducting an inquiry or presenting credible evidence. Pakistan categorically denied involvement and called for an independent investigation by a mutually accepted international body. India, however, rejected this proposal, citing Pakistan’s historical record of cross-border terrorism.
If history alone is to serve as the judge, then, Mr. Prime Minister, your own past also invites scrutiny. You were once labeled the “Butcher of Gujarat” by both domestic and international critics for your alleged inaction during the 2002 Gujarat violence. The United States even denied you a visa in 2005 for your purported role in those events. History, it seems, is often invoked selectively.
Just two days after the Pahalgam attack, on April 24, while speaking at a political rally in Bihar, you issued a strong warning: India would “identify, track, and punish every terrorist and their backers.” The implication toward Pakistan as a state sponsor was unmistakable.
On May 7, 2025, India launched Operation Sindoor, targeting nine sites in Pakistan and Azad Kashmir. Notably, this marked the first time since 1971 that India crossed the International Border (IB)— a line internationally recognized and previously respected even during prior escalations. In response, Pakistan launched Operation Bunyan al-Marsus.
Let us briefly assess the consequences. Pakistan claimed to have downed five Indian aircraft—three Rafales, one MiG-29, and one Su-30MKI—while suffering damage to just one JF-17 Thunder. At a press conference, Air Marshal Bharti of the Indian Air Force neither confirmed nor denied the losses, stating, “Losses are a part of any combat scenario.” He declined to provide further details, citing ongoing combat and the need to avoid giving the adversary an advantage. This silence was widely interpreted as implicit validation of Pakistan’s claims.
India stated that it had struck nine Pakistani military installations; Pakistan countered by claiming to have hit 26 Indian targets.
Press briefings from both militaries—and visible aircraft losses—suggest that Pakistan inflicted heavier military damage during the exchange.
On May 10, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump announced via his social media platform that both India and Pakistan had agreed to a “full and immediate ceasefire” following overnight talks mediated by the United States. He praised both nations for showing “common sense and great intelligence,” later revealing that he had threatened to halt trade with both countries to force de-escalation—a move he credited with averting a nuclear confrontation.
Pakistan publicly welcomed the U.S. role in mediating the ceasefire. India, however, remained diplomatically silent, offering no comment on Washington’s involvement while reiterating its unaltered stance on Jammu and Kashmir.
Today, May 12, 2025, the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both nations—Lt. Gen. Rajiv Ghai of India and Maj. Gen. Kashif Abdullah of Pakistan—spoke via a secure hotline. This marked their first direct communication since the ceasefire. According to reports, they discussed practical mechanisms to uphold the ceasefire and maintain calm along the Line of Control (LoC).
Mr. Prime Minister, with all due respect, your decision to cross not only the LoC but also the International Border constitutes an overt act of aggression, cloaked in the pretext of counterterrorism. It was a calculated decision—one that has proven dangerously miscalculated.
As a proud veteran of the Pakistan Air Force, I thank you—twice over. First, for uniting a politically fragmented Pakistani populace in support of their armed forces, forging an unprecedented wall of national solidarity. Second, for giving Pakistan Air Force the opportunity to demonstrate its professionalism and resolve under fire.
In closing, I urge you to reflect sincerely on the catastrophic risks of escalating hostilities between two nuclear-armed neighbors. The loss of innocent lives—on both sides of the border—should weigh heavily on every decision made in the name of national pride or political gain.
May the Almighty guide all leaders—especially those entrusted with nuclear arsenals—toward wisdom, restraint, and a genuine commitment to lasting peace in our region.
Yours respectfully,
Sqn. Ldr. Nusrat Hussain (Retired), PAF
Founding Chief Editor, The Miracle
(First Muslim newspaper of B.C.)
Author, The Last Salute