Celebrated writer and satirist Anwar Maqsood has urged calmness amid India-Pakistan tensions on Friday, warning of war’s devastating human cost and advocating for peace over politics.
“War rhetoric is easy to stoke, but the consequences of conflict are deeply tragic,” Maqsood remarked during a press conference held by the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi.
“It’s easy to start a war; anything minor can do it.”
“However, putting an end to it is challenging,” he said, adding that even military triumphs are not particularly joyful when innocent lives—particularly those of children—are lost.
“I am not as delighted about the five Indian jets we knocked down as I am about the people who died. The celebration of military triumphs must always be subordinated to the sorrow for innocent lives,” he thought.
As part of its “Operation Sindoor,” India launched attacks on many locations in Pakistan on Wednesday evening.
There have been 31 civilian deaths and 57 injuries in Pakistan.
Pakistan’s military retaliated by destroying an Indian brigade headquarters and checkpoints along the Line of Control, as well as taking down five Indian jets.
According to the DG ISPR, on May 7 and 8, 25 Indian drones were shot down overnight. Pakistan has so far shot down 77 Indian drones, according to state media on Friday.
He acknowledged the public’s support for Pakistan’s military forces by saying, “In difficult times, we understand the importance of the army.”
There are 250 million troops in the world now. Although I lack a weapon, I do have the power of the written word.
