A decree was issued from the White House, and then "the war stopped". Some rejoiced. Others mourned. In India, slogans of “Narendra's surrender” echoed, and Modi’s prestige lay in tatters.

The ones who roared did not rain down, but the silent ones unleashed a storm. A storm so fierce, it rattled every pillar of the so-called secular state. From minority exploitation to Kashmir’s oppression, everything suddenly flashed onto the global radar.

India had a plan, but something else unfolded. Arrogance and pride were crushed into dust. Modi offered India at the altar of his ego and politics. The cries of the oppressed and innocent drowned him. The game of deception, tyranny, and pharaoh-like domination was overturned by fate in a way that shattered all illusions of supremacy and control. The dark schemes for the future turned to ash.

This entire episode holds a major lesson for us too. Pride in power is bound to crumble, whether it is personal or state-level. Time is teaching us many things and telling us that instead of chest thumping, we should bow down in gratitude. Turn division into unity. Begin the journey from instability to stability. Let go of personal ego—it is now unavoidable. Time has come to distance ourselves from flatterers and courtiers. These sycophants intoxicate you with a high that leads to mistake after mistake. Time slips away—and regret is all that remains.

War is not the solution to any problem, nor is a warlike environment. This region needs to break free from this climate. This is a historic moment for Pakistan. Our military superiority has been proven, and our diplomatic achievements have also flown high on the global stage

After a victory, two kinds of emotions that can emerge are gratitude or arrogance. Gratitude keeps one grounded, while arrogance makes one lose all sense. Whether personal or collective, both feelings have clear outcomes. Sometimes the intoxication of victory blinds you to the situation around you, and by the time you realize it, it is too late. We must avoid falling into that state.

War is not the solution to any problem, nor is a warlike environment. This region needs to break free from this climate. This is a historic moment for Pakistan. Our military superiority has been proven, and our diplomatic achievements have also flown high on the global stage. Talk of media responsibility grew louder, particularly because of Indian media’s irresponsibility. Dialogue, debate, and dissent are the pillars of a strong society. If these vanish or are silenced, the only thing that remains is the silence of a graveyard. And if anyone feels pride in that silence then one can only mourn their intellect.

The time ahead is decisive. Underestimating the enemy is not wisdom. What happened to India stems from multiple factors, and is not a simple matter to understand. US President Donald Trump used tariffs like weapons. Sometimes crossing all limits, and sometimes taking a U-turn to shock everyone. He is playing the same game with India—confusing and pressuring it through his statements. This could all be a negotiation tactic. But if it is, this game would not last long.

India is licking its wounds and struggling hard to recover. It is banking on the belief that the US, especially Trump, would not miss any opportunity for its own gain. In order to hurt Pakistan, restore its own image, and compensate for diplomatic failure, India may have no choice but to pay tribute to the US, and New Delhi will be ready to swallow that bitter pill at any cost. In this situation, we must decide whether to waste this historic opportunity in a few months or to treat it as the beginning of a journey toward the destination.

It is a golden chance to move past political crises and elevate the stature of our institutions. Breaking the shell of ego and putting our fragmented house back in order benefits everyone. But time is short. A few months later, the situation would not be what it is today. If hands join hands, what a moment that would be! However, if hands reach for collars then may God protect us all.

The author has been associated with the field of journalism for more than 30 years. These days, he is serving as the Director of News at Samaa TV. He can be reached at tariq.mahmood@samaa.tv