But in reality, many questions will linger over the whole Balakot operation that was launched in response to the horrific Pulwama attack. After Pulwama, India may have established the new pre-emptive strike doctrine to inflict punishment on terror abettors deep in Pakistan, which Pakistan’s ISI will ingest. The Pulwama attack pushed this narrative and inflamed already roused public emotion, which now sought instant retribution. Hawks in Indian establishment and the BJP will be stranded by Imran Khan’s diplomatic reverse swing. But the Indian military pressure and the looming financial threat of the Financial Action Task Force black-listing Pakistan may help.

Source: Pakistan Today March 01, 2019 17:48 UTC