Islamabad, February 27, 2025 – A wave of unease has swept across Pakistan following India’s decision to scrap Article 370, a move that revoked the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, integrating it fully into the Indian Union. The decision, which came into effect years ago but continues to ripple through the region, has left Pakistan grappling with political, diplomatic, and social challenges, pushing the nation into what many are calling a full-blown “panic mode.”
The scrapping of Article 370, which once granted Jammu and Kashmir a degree of autonomy, was a bold step by the Indian government to assert its sovereignty over the contested territory. For Pakistan, which has long claimed rights over Kashmir and positioned itself as a vocal advocate for the Kashmiri people, this move was nothing short of a geopolitical earthquake. The decision stripped away the legal framework that Pakistan often cited in international forums to bolster its stance, leaving its leadership scrambling to respond.
In the immediate aftermath, Pakistan’s government condemned the move, with officials labeling it as an assault on the rights of Kashmiris. Diplomatic efforts were ramped up, with Islamabad appealing to the United Nations and other global bodies to intervene. However, these efforts have yielded little tangible success, as the international community has largely viewed the issue as an internal matter for India. This lack of support has only deepened Pakistan’s sense of isolation on the global stage, fueling domestic frustration.
Within Pakistan, the scrapping of Article 370 has ignited fierce debates. Political parties, particularly those in opposition, have accused the government of failing to protect national interests. Public protests have erupted in cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi, with citizens expressing anger over what they perceive as a loss of influence in the Kashmir dispute. The streets have been filled with chants demanding action, though the government’s options appear limited. Analysts suggest that Pakistan’s leadership is caught between a desire to appease public sentiment and the reality of its constrained diplomatic leverage.
The military, a dominant force in Pakistan’s political landscape, has also been thrust into the spotlight. Historically, the Kashmir issue has been a rallying point for the armed forces, which have used it to justify hefty defense budgets and maintain their grip on power. With Article 370 gone, some speculate that the military’s narrative could weaken, potentially shifting the balance of power domestically. Yet, others argue that the army may double down, using the perceived threat from India to consolidate its authority further.
Economically, Pakistan is feeling the strain as well. The country, already grappling with a fragile economy, has poured resources into lobbying against India’s decision. Trade relations with India, though minimal, have deteriorated further, and border tensions have escalated, disrupting local economies in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. The cost of maintaining a heightened military presence along the Line of Control has added to the financial burden, stretching an already thin national budget.
Social media platforms have become a battleground for narratives, with Pakistani users expressing a mix of outrage, fear, and helplessness. Viral posts lament the “loss” of Kashmir, while others criticize the government for its inability to counter India effectively. The scrapping of Article 370 has also reignited discussions about Pakistan’s identity and its role in the Muslim world, with some questioning whether the nation can sustain its decades-long position on Kashmir.
Meanwhile, India’s firm stance has only amplified Pakistan’s anxiety. New Delhi has moved swiftly to develop infrastructure and boost tourism in Jammu and Kashmir, signaling that the integration is permanent. For Pakistan, this represents not just a territorial loss but a psychological blow, as India’s actions challenge the very foundation of its Kashmir policy.
As the situation unfolds, Pakistan finds itself at a crossroads. The scrapping of Article 370 has exposed vulnerabilities in its foreign policy and domestic stability, forcing the nation to rethink its approach. Whether this panic mode translates into a coherent strategy or further chaos remains to be seen. For now, the air in Islamabad is thick with uncertainty, as the reverberations of India’s historic decision continue to echo across the border.
