Propaganda plays an important role during national conflicts and wars. It has a unifying effect on the country and gives its people a common voice. May it be the “Tokyo Rose” in the Pacific theater between United States and Japan or the evil rhetoric propagated by the Nazis against Jews, propaganda is a potent weapon in building a narrative against the enemy state or against a particular community.
But the coin has other side as well. Propaganda can be extremely vicious and can fill the minds of people with venom. It can sway the thinking away from the reality and create a fallacy.
Amid the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan in wake of the Pahalgam attack, this propaganda emanating from the media houses has taken a front seat on both sides of the border. The press industry is beating the war drums and each side is boasting its military might to crush each other and its diplomatic prowess to garner the support of the international community.
In a recent interview of an Indian politician, it was mentioned that Indian government has successfully isolated Pakistan on the global stage. It was further communicated that the entire world is firmly standing with India. Nothing is far from the truth. Although the entire world has condemned the cowardly attack that claimed 28 innocent lives, all countries have asked for restrain and de-escalation of the situation.
Have we really isolated Pakistan? The answer is no. Even if the west has chosen to take a neutral stand, Pakistan has three staunch allies, Turkey, China and Bangladesh. China recently stated that Pakistan is its “Ironclad” friend. With investments running into billions, it is highly unlikely that it will abandon Pakistan for its wrongdoings. Pakistan accounts for eighty percent of arms exports from China. There are even speculations that Pakistan surreptitiously informed China about the Pahalgam attack. Whether China will provide direct assistance to Pakistan in case of an all out war is something that is contentious, but one thing is for certain. It will aid Pakistan, both financially and militarily.
Turkey is another country on which Pakistan is relying. The two countries have very strong ties that go back historically. Both being Sunni majority countries share a lot in common, especially culturally. It has been reported that Turkey is already assisting Pakistan to build its Cyber warfare capabilities. The country’s unwavering support to Pakistan on Kashmir issue is known to the Indian administration and the world at large.
Recent anti-India sentiments in Bangladesh has changed the geopolitical landscape in the South Asian region. The country owes its independence to India but since the last few years, has found an ally in Pakistan. Trade, especially the one centered around defense is increasing every year with Pakistan supplying fighter squadrons to the Bangladesh Air force. The peril for India here is that in case of an armed conflict with Pakistan, Bangladesh might open its front giving a strategic and military advantage to Pakistan.
When it comes to western countries, their stand on the crises is neutral. Even though they have condemned the Pahalgam attack, they have asked both sides to de-escalate the matter. European Union has even taken a step further and recognized Pakistan’s efforts in combating terrorism. This is a shocking statement for a country with a track record of supporting terror activities, not only in India but in Afghanistan and Iran as well. Dr. S Jaishankar has already lashed out at EU for its “double standards”.
So, should Pakistan be isolated? I believe yes. But is it a reality? The answer is no. Can it happen at least in the near future? Unfortunately, the answer again is no.
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