India did not take long to unleash its fury on Pakistan regarding deadly airstrikes in a hospital in Afghanistan, which flattened the hospital and declared it as an outrageous attack against innocent people. The March 15 attack has set New Delhi ablaze as it pulled it into the fire of South Asian tensions.
News came when smoke was still lingering over the Al-Jalil Hospital in Kabul. The Pakistani jets had battered the spot killing 42 people- docs, nurses and kids on beds. Afghan officials declare that 90 additional ones received injuries. This is where poor people of all stripes flock in Dasht-e-Barchi, no militants lurking, they assure.
MEA jumped in fast. Their statement raved, Pakistan had broken all red lines striking a hospital. Jaishankar struck the mics: this is not defense it is murder. Pakistan has become a familiar game to India, in the same old tricks of the proxy, games that bother Kashmir and more.
Why now? Pakistan complains that Taliban has allowed the TTP bombers to cross across the border. According to Islamabad, the hospital concealed bad guys who planned Baloch attacks. Proof? Their mouth piece refers to grainy intelligence photographs. Afghanistan BS, presents satellite photos of jets hitting the building. Red Cross dragged employees, furious at the war regulations wasted.
India’s got skin in this. Afghanistan is important-Chabahar can deliver goods directly bypassing Pakistan. Last year, trade jumped 30%. PM Modi sends aid cash, now drives UN probe. Quad buddies were brought in on the same word; take heat together on Pak.
Pakistan shrugs it off. Not hospital but terror camps, they say. But Maxar pictures do not tell lies–where wards have been rubble. Nationals lament: We went to get well, got hell.
This blows up old beefs. After Taliban win in 2021, Pakistan believed that they would dominate Kabul. No–TTP snarls, 800 killed last year. India is keeping count; any anarchy oozes over.
Professionals aver that it is talk time perhaps SCO summit. However, airstrikes may give rise to ground war considering the Taliban promise payback. India’s stand? Obvious: There is no free ticket to bomb hospitals.
Kabul flights are assisted today with new Delhi ramps. Jaishankar receives envoys- message to Pak Back off or face isolation.
South Asia holds breath. The incautious step taken by Pakistan is risky. India is the first to strike in peaceful, though gripped fists.
