Islamabad – A new book was introduced today at the Institute of Research Studies (IRS) in Islamabad called “Strategic Reckoning: Perspectives on Deterrence and Escalation Post-Pahalgam 2025”.

The book is a collaborative study by the IRS and the University of Lahore and provides an in-depth study of the May 2025 war between Pakistan and India.

Edited by a renowned scholar, Dr. Rabia Akhtar, 19 researchers contributed to the book, and it has offered a complete perspective of the situation of Indian aggression and countermeasures by Pakistan.

Scholars at the conference were unanimously of the view that the decisive and balanced counteraction of Pakistan was very effective in breaking the myth of Indian military superiority that had long been held.

They further emphasized that the operational preparedness of the armed forces, the national will of Pakistan, and strong nuclear capability were the main reasons behind the strategic defeat of India.

The Dangerous “New Abnormal” of Preemptive Strikes

The book explores the major changes in the regional strategic environment after the tensions in May 2025. The new normal of preemptive strikes in India, as described by editor Dr. Rabia Akhtar, is actually a “new abnormal”.

This immoderate and reckless method, she said, has increased the tension, and put the region on the point of a great disaster.

Multiple speakers noted that there is a worrying tendency of India, following the precedent of Israeli actions in the Middle East, to exploit terrorism as an excuse to initiate incursions across borders and pressure Pakistan.

Masood Khan, one of the speakers, pointed out that the “continued oppression of the Kashmiri people was central to the crisis that happened in May 2025” and that unless their demands are addressed, future crises will continue to erupt.

Pakistan’s Full-Spectrum Deterrence and National Resolve

One of the key themes of the book is the success of the Pakistani defense policy.

General Kidwai claimed that the “Full-spectrum deterrence of Pakistan prevented Indian aggression”.

He observed that the readiness of the military and precision of the rocket force played a key role in balancing the strategy and preventing the Indian attacks.

Khalid Banuri also commended the Air Force for neutralizing the Indian attacks correctly.

The research indicates that India has failed to intimidate its neighbors, and Pakistan has become a powerful and mature nuclear state. As demonstrated in the book, the nuclear potential of Pakistan is the final and impregnable insurance against Indian aggression.

Adil Sultan, one of the contributors, added that “Full-spectrum deterrence is not a symbolic gesture but a well-considered and trusted framework of keeping the conflict stable.”

The Role of Media and a Call for a New Perspective

Another important point of the book is the role of the media in the crisis, which makes a sharp contrast between the two countries.

Ejaz Haider highlighted the fact that “The Indian media transformed the crisis into a menacing spectacle by sensationalizing via its provocative and falsifying news.” Whereas the responsible coverage by the Pakistani media was an extremely praiseworthy affair.

Jauhar Saleem remarked that “Not only is the instability being proliferated with the coercive policies being used by India, but it is also isolating New Delhi in the region”.

The scholars concluded that the New Delhi fixation on regional preeminence is no longer just a threat to peace but also to its global reputation. They called upon the world to realize that the actual danger in South Asia is the aggressive posture of India and not the defensive policy of Pakistan.

Both Atta Tarar and General Kidwai referred to the book as a valuable source of information on the recent regional crisis.

Such a comprehensive study is a tribute to the determination of the Pakistani nation, and by not bowing down to the Indian superiority, it has established the fact that it will not in any way give in to the Indian domination, but it will use any means necessary to protect its sovereignty.

The book is intended to offer a critical insight to policymakers, academics, and the entire global community to understand the intricate dynamics of the region.