Pakistan Army Holds Big Drills Amid India Tension

In a bold show of strength and readiness, the Pakistan Army has launched large-scale military exercises in response to growing tensions with nearby India. The drills come at a time when diplomatic relations between the two nuclear-armed nations remain strained over ongoing border disputes and regional instability.

• Pakistan Army begins comprehensive war games involving tanks, artillery, and air defense units

• Drills include simulated combat conditions near sensitive border areas

• Rising political tensions with India are triggering regional security concerns

• Pakistan’s military leadership emphasizes “combat readiness and prevention.”

• India is monitoring the situation closely but calls for “restraint and dialogue.”

• International observers warn of potential miscalculation in South Asia

The Pakistan Army's drills are being conducted under the codename “Operation Azm-e-Nau” (New Resolve), signaling a strategic focus on preparedness and operational efficiency.

According to ISPR (Inter-Services Public Relations), the exercises:

• Involve combined arms formations – including infantry, armored corps, artillery, air defense, and aviation support

• They are taking place in the southern and eastern regions, near the border with India

• Features real-time battlefield simulations, logistics management, and rapid deployment scenarios

• Include live-fire exercises using tanks, heavy artillery, and precision-guided munitions

“These drills aim to enhance the combat capabilities of our forces, ensuring full preparedness for any threat to our sovereignty,” said Major General Ahmed Sharif, DG ISPR.

The latest surge in military activity comes amid a renewed spike in border Fighting and heated political rhetoric from both sides. Several key events have contributed to the tensions:

• Recent clashes along the Line of Control (LoC), with both countries accusing each other of ceasefire violations

• Diplomatic stand-off over India's actions in Indian-administered Kashmir, including demographic changes and political clampdowns

• India’s rising strategic ties with the United States and Pakistan’s closer defense cooperation with China

Both nations have exchanged sharp warnings in recent weeks, with Indian officials calling Pakistan’s stance "provocative," while Islamabad has accused New Delhi of “destabilizing the regional peace.”

Military experts believe that Pakistan’s army is sending a clear deterrent message — not only to India but also to other regional actors and the global community.

Goals of the drills include:

• Demonstrating swift mobilization capabilities in the case of cross-border aggression

• Improving joint-force coordination across land, air, and cyber domains

• Testing new tactical strategies and technological upgrades in battlefield operations

• Reassuring the public and allies about Pakistan’s defense preparedness

“The focus is not on war, but on defending our homeland with unwavering resolve,” stated General Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff.

The international community is keeping a close watch, especially the United Nations, United States, China, and Gulf countries. While no direct condemnation has been issued, calls for “de-escalation and dialogue” have grown louder.

• The United Nations has urged both countries to uphold the 2003 ceasefire agreement

• The US State Department expressed concern, encouraging a peaceful resolution through diplomacy

• China, an ally of Pakistan, reaffirmed support for Pakistan’s authority and area integrity, while advising restraint

• Gulf nations have quietly reached out to both capitals to mediate behind the scenes

The Pakistani public has reacted with mixed emotions — pride in the military, but concern over potential conflict.

• Social media is filled with patriotic posts, videos of the drills, and support for the troops

• Civil society groups are calling for peace talks and urging media outlets to avoid warmongering

• The youth voice is largely focused on peace, economic growth, and stability over confrontation

“We salute our army, but we also want peace and prosperity, not war,” said a student from Lahore in a trending TikTok video.

“We are a peace-loving nation. But we will not tolerate any violation of our sovereignty. Our army is fully capable of defending Pakistan.”

“We are observing the situation. India remains committed to peace but will act firmly if provoked.”

As the Pakistan Army demonstrates its strength, the hope remains that this is a signal of deterrence, not a step toward escalation.