As the news of Indian jets invading Pakistan airspace with intent to bomb and the heartening news of our brave Air Force Officer taking the Indian jets down- hit us, I sit here marveling at the whole affair of the Indian officer being captured, having his wounds tended to, and being questioned in a very respectable and professional manner by the Pakistan Army officials. This is beyond the world’s expectation and definitely above the Indian’s.

The Indian officer divulged no other information besides his name & rank in the Indian Army. And he was neither forced nor coerced during the interrogation. He furnished the said information of his own volition.

While this was taking place in Pakistan- on the other side of the border- the frenzied & bloodthirsty Indian media went into overdrive and revealed valuable information about their own officer.

It was highly irresponsible and unethical, to say the least. Indian media is truly fueling the fire already smoldering. War is never the answer. No one, no country, & no people have ever benefitted from war.

It only brings destruction, hatred which lasts for generations, misfortunes & loss of innocent, invaluable lives on both sides including the civilians and the armed forces. It brings massive financial losses in its wake which could easily go towards building the nation & its people.

And while as a nationalist, I truly feel proud of the ability of our Armed forced in keeping us safe I also feel that as educated Muslims and humans we must remember that our own religion is that of peace.

Our Prophet (PBUH) was never a violent persona and he did not go to war until it was thrust upon him. He spread Islam by being the absolute personification of it- being humble, peaceful, loving, and compassionate at all times. So as a proud Muslim Pakistani, I feel no need to cheer the loss of a life irrespective of the religion it belongs to War, killing and politically motivated hatred and massacre is never supported.

Yes, the Indian Planes violated our Pakistani air space, in the dark of the night in a cowardly manner. But the brave soldiers of Pak Air force downed those planes and succeeded in protecting the sovereignty of our nation. The showdown clearly showed the Indian Government that if we cannot be taken for a joy ride. We have the capacity and the capability to answer any aggression thrust upon us.

That being said, as a media personality belonging to Pakistan I urge both the Indian and Pakistani celebrities to act responsibly and refrain from inciting or daring each other’s side for a show of power by going to war.

We tend to overlook the fact that both Pakistan and India are Nuclear powers. No matter who comes out on the top- in the end- there will be death and destruction all around. Have we not learned any lesson from the past? Haven’t we fought and hated enough already…

I believe our honorable Prime Minister Imran Khan acted wisely by making it clear to the Indian side that although we would not like to go to war if our hand is forced we are ready to retaliate fully and effectively. I am proud to say that Mr.  Imran Khan has handled the situation with great dignity and integrity.

As a magnanimous gesture and acting as a true Statesman he has announced that the Pakistan Government will be releasing the captive Indian Wing Commander on Friday- March 1st. This goodwill gesture has thrown the proverbial ball in the Indian Court. Let’s see what answer it comes up with.