Turning Point in South Asia: How Pakistan’s War Reshaped Global Power
By: Raja Zahid Akhtar Khanzada
In May 2025, the clash that occurred between India and Pakistan was not an ordinary border skirmish — it was a war of power, technology, and global narrative. This war began with the incident of Pahalgam, where the attack on tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir was immediately linked by India to Pakistan, and without any investigation, military operations were launched. Pakistan initially demonstrated restraint, but on the morning of May 10, when India’s aggression crossed all limits, Pakistan launched “Operation Bunyan Marsous,” responding to India in an unconventional and unexpected manner — and that very moment turned this clash into a turning point in history.
In this war, it wasn’t just guns that spoke, but modern weapons like artificial intelligence, cyber warfare, sensor fusion, and satellite intelligence played a role. This battle wasn’t merely of soldiers present at the border, but a multi-domain war in which air, land, space, and the digital world all became battlefields. India’s most expensive Rafale jets, which were considered symbols of superiority, were rendered helpless in front of Pakistan’s J-10C and PL-15 missiles. Advanced French defense systems like Spectra failed, and India’s air force — which had arrived as an aggressor — was forced to retreat 300 kilometers back.
In this entire scenario, the most shocking thing was that behind Pakistan stood China — not just politically, but also through military cooperation and technology sharing. The expertise with which Pakistan targeted Indian cyber systems, railway networks, and power grids made it clear that wars are no longer fought only on fields but also on buttons. India, which believed it was invincible with systems like Rafale and S-400, suddenly realized that there’s a world of difference between buying technology and understanding it.
This war was not just between Pakistan and India — it was also a test of global powers. The United States, which initially seemed inclined toward India, later became neutral when it realized that the Pahalgam incident was, in fact, a self-orchestrated attack by India. U.S. Vice President JD Vance declared disassociation from this war, but after a CIA briefing, the Trump administration had to change its stance. Thus, it also became clear that India was not only in conflict with Pakistan but also engaged with China — and its consequences could be severe.
The Modi government, which wanted to use this war for internal political gain, got trapped in it instead. The Indian media first made a traditional uproar, but when Rafale jets were seen falling, S-400 systems were found failing, and the silent presence of China was felt, the narrative faltered. Congress and other parties began raising questions on Modi, and India’s diplomatic isolation became openly visible.
This war was not just a border clash — it was a glimpse of a new global power balance. China sent a message to the world that not only Taiwan but any region in the world can be shaped to its will. Pakistan not only defended itself but, through its strategy, military training, and diplomatic balance, convinced the world that South Asia’s future would no longer be determined by old principles, but by new technology, better diplomacy, and smart warfare. This was a turning point in history, the effects of which will be felt not only in the region but globally.
Pakistan’s retaliatory action was not only aggressive but also unexpected — in it, not only were targets destroyed, but India’s entire war planning was shaken at psychological, diplomatic, and military levels. Where India, under “Operation Sandhoor,” used the Pahalgam incident as a basis to justify its attack, there Pakistan, through “Bunyan Marsous,” made it clear that the answer to aggression is not silence but full power with discipline.
This operation was not limited to just missile firing or drone attacks. Targeting India’s nine military centers, neutralizing India’s modern Rafale and Su-30 fighter jets in the air via JF-17 Thunder and J-10C, and then destroying brigade headquarters, ammunition depots, and supply lines on the ground — all this was proof of a systematic, well-planned, and highly professional capability. India’s S-400 system, which it used to boast about, being brought down was not only a defeat of technology but also a collapse of India’s strategic self-confidence.
All these events shook India’s internal political atmosphere as well. A storm of questions rained upon the Modi government. The Rafale jets, which were presented as a tool for electoral victory, fell from the sky to the ground. Congress immediately raised questions in Parliament: “Did we spend 250 million dollars per aircraft just so they could be shot down in seconds?” India’s media, which in the beginning was drowning in the fever of patriotism, is now demanding proof from the government — where is Pakistan’s loss? Where is your victory? No answer.
On the other hand, Pakistan not only dominated the military front but also proved its superiority on the diplomatic front. Turkey, China, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar supported Pakistan’s stance. Pakistan’s patience and restraint were appreciated at the United Nations. The United States, despite its traditional hypocrisy, offered to mediate a ceasefire because the spread of war had become a threat to the global economy and geopolitical order.
Here, China’s role is particularly noteworthy. China not only provided Pakistan with direct military support but also used this war as a “technology test.” By deploying PL-15 missiles, J-10C, sensor fusion, and cyber warfare tools in the field, China silently sent a message: if we want to take Taiwan, we don’t need the world’s approval.
The successes Pakistan achieved in this war were not merely of a military nature — they were a triumph of diplomatic dignity, technological dominance, and narrative. When India appealed for a ceasefire, in reality, it was conceding defeat, no matter how it presented it.
This war was a turning point for South Asia. Now, the balance of power has tilted toward a new bloc: Pakistan, China, Iran, Russia, and Turkey. This bloc has proven that decisions are no longer made only in Washington or New York — they are also made in Beijing and Rawalpindi. Pakistan, which the world once viewed only through the lens of terrorism and economy, has now emerged as a modern, conscious, and strategically smart state.
Although the end of the war happened through a ceasefire, the nature of this ceasefire was more than formal — it was, in fact, an undeclared admission of defeat — especially for India. When the spokesperson of the Indian army, Colonel Sofia Qureshi, offered peace, it was not just a declaration but a sign of defensive retreat. Pakistan, in the battlefield, not only foiled India’s military maneuvers but also made it face diplomatic isolation on the global stage.
Throughout this entire period, the military leadership of Pakistan — especially the strategy, patience, and retaliatory strength of Army Chief General Asim Munir — played a decisive role. Pakistan proved that military response is not only won through power, but also through intellect, technology, and international credibility.
Now the question is: what will happen next after all this?
For India, this war is not just a temporary fallback — it is a clear challenge to future policies. The Modi government, which considered itself invincible and the regional enforcer, is now under pressure on both internal and external fronts. Electoral risks, media criticism, and economic instability have weakened India’s state narrative. Expensive projects like Rafale have become symbols of failure, and the failure of the S-400 has also shaken global confidence in India’s weaponry.
In contrast, Pakistan has gained a new identity through this war. This country is no longer just a reactive defensive state, but is emerging as a smart warfare power — which possesses not only strength, but also the backing of allies, a strong narrative, and a cutting-edge defense infrastructure.
The greatest success for Pakistan is that it is now being seen on the global stage not as a “problem” but as a “solution.” The IMF’s confidence has been restored, the international community has praised Pakistan’s stance, and major global players like China, Turkey, Iran, and Saudi Arabia have practically stood with Pakistan.
Militarily, the performance shown by the Pakistan Air Force will influence the region’s military policies for decades to come. Pakistan not only shot down enemy aircraft but struck at the enemy’s psychology — this was a psychological victory, greater than a battlefield triumph.
Looking ahead to the future, now it will not be easy for India to ignite another war. Not only have questions been raised about its defense systems, but the decision-making of its political leadership has also come under suspicion and doubt.
In contrast, Pakistan has now emerged as a strong, organized, and strategically capable state. This war has made it a key member of a regional bloc — which, along with countries like China, Iran, Russia, and Turkey, lays the foundation of a new world order.
All of this points to the fact that the balance of power in South Asia will now not be determined merely by economy or military hardware — but by narrative, technology, alliances, and strategic vision — and Pakistan has begun this new era.
