Could Pahalgam happen again?

Apr 22, 2026 | 14:50 IST

For the moment, the Pakistan army looks comfortably ensconced. But plenty could go wrong. And if that happens, the army's perceived erosion of authority could prompt it to sponsor a grave terror strike in India, says Lt Gen Katiyar (Retd)

On 22 April 2025, India was shaken by the dastardly murder of 26 innocent civilians. Various response options were deliberated and simultaneously higher levels of operational readiness were affected to prevent uncontrolled escalation. Operation Sindoor, launched a fortnight later, was a demonstration of decisive leadership backed by a capable military.

If the Pakistan army was guided by reason and national interest, it would desist from sponsoring such terrorist acts in future — for the sake of its people. But history warns otherwise; vested interests of the Pakistan army, and its need to remain politically central, have repeatedly driven it to choose confrontation over conciliation.

TOI

TOI

Could Pahalgam happen again?

For the moment, the Pakistan army looks comfortably ensconced. But plenty could go wrong. And if that happens, the army's perceived erosion of authority could prompt it to sponsor a grave terror strike in India, says Lt Gen Katiyar (Retd)

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TOI

Could Pahalgam happen again?

For the moment, the Pakistan army looks comfortably ensconced. But plenty could go wrong. And if that happens, the army's perceived erosion of authority could prompt it to sponsor a grave terror strike in India, says Lt Gen Katiyar (Retd)

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