Pakistan needs to make the intent clear. This incident is not something that must be gone unanswered. India since 2019, has been trying to establish a new normal in the region. The concept of limited war under the nuclear overhang has been diluted in JDAIF 2017 and LWD 2018 doctrines to limited STRIKES under the Conventional War overhang. India feels that its military prowess has grown to a limit along with diplomatic and economic muscle that she can coerce Pakistan diplomatically. Certainly, Indian political right will be jumping over this nonsense, but Indian diplomatic machinery will use it to state's advantage. Another important and worrying aspect is growing frequency of such violations. Earlier this month, Pakistan Navy tracked an Indian submarine in its waters and now this. What is Indian intent? No one knows, and to be frank that doesn't even matter! There is a chatter on relevant circles that is getting traction lately that India through these moves is actually trying to assess Pakistani responses.
We need to respond taking Indian capabilities in accounts because that's what you prepare against in peace time not the intent. This is a complex situation as global focus is on Ukraine, India may find new impetus to launch another strike against an isolated target and then run a campaign against Pakistan. How Pakistan must give a response is choice of government and military leadership, but it's time to call a NSC meeting and devise a solid plan.
Lastly, PAF must permanently remain in a war like situation. An Indian missile launched against intended militant hideout mistook a PAF base near international border is a real possibility! The World will not let Pakistan retaliate allowing India to get away with it. This will be an unacceptable outcome. Pakistan needs to avoid it by hook or crook!
