Sahir Shamshad Mirza Warns of Destructive Escalation in India-Pakistan Conflict

Pakistan's Gen. Sahir Shamshad Mirza, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, has warned of a potentially catastrophic escalation in the India-Pakistan conflict, citing the Kashmir dispute as the core issue that needs to be resolved through international intervention and adherence to UN Security Council resolutions.

At the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Gen. Mirza emphasized the need for conflict resolution, rather than management, to prevent a destructive escalation. He suggested that countries like the US, UK, Saudi Arabia, China, Turkiye, and UAE could play a mediating role in resolving the Kashmir dispute, which he believes is essential for sustainable peace in the region. Mirza also cautioned that the threshold for conventional warfare has significantly degraded in the nuclear-armed region, making it imperative for global powers to intervene and prevent further escalation.

The recent military confrontation between India and Pakistan over New Delhi's allegations against Islamabad in occupied Kashmir's Pahalgam has further underscored the need for a crisis management mechanism. Gen. Mirza noted that the absence of such a mechanism may not give enough time for global powers to intervene and affect cessation of hostilities, resulting in damage and destruction. He also highlighted the importance of communication, institutionalized protocols, and peaceful dispute resolution in preventing further escalation.

Gen. Mirza's remarks come at a time when the Asia-Pacific region is facing significant challenges, including great power contestation and strategic uncertainties. He emphasized the need for the region to re-energize and strengthen existing bilateral, regional, and multilateral frameworks, rather than relying on extra-regional powers. The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee also stressed the importance of emerging technologies and their impact on decision-making in the region.

As tensions between India and Pakistan continue to simmer, Gen. Mirza's warning of a potentially destructive escalation serves as a reminder of the need for urgent attention and intervention from the international community. The resolution of the Kashmir dispute, in line with UN Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people, is essential for enduring peace in South Asia.