Dr. A. Z. Hilali (IR Expert): Pakistan acted very generously by handing captured pilot over to Indian authorities. This move was aimed at de-escalating tensions after days of hostilities between India and Pakistan. Pakistan Air Force shot down two Indian aircraft violating Pakistani airspace in February 2019. One of the Indian aircraft fell inside AJK whose pilot was captured. The situation is still tense not only in India but also in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. The Indian government through its illegal and unilateral move abrogated the article 370 and 35-A of IIOJ&K which is a violation of international laws. The IAF pilot Abhinandan received the Vir Chakra, the third-highest wartime gallantry award for showing so-called courage whereas the international experts and the US officials have already confirmed that no Pakistani F-16 was shot down on the day. India can no longer hide behind its conspiracies and allegations as its face has already been exposed in front of the world.

Dr. Sarfraz Ahmad Khan (IR Expert): India must stop intervening in the affairs of other countries and concentrate on improving the situation of its own people where half of the population is living below the poverty line. The Indian government is also doing politics in sports, which is unfortunate. Both India and Pakistan are neighboring countries and hold nuclear weapons. India is also in border disputes with its neighbors, including Pakistan, Bangladesh, China and Nepal. The irresponsible statements of BJP officials are part of desperate attempts to divert the attention from India’s state-terrorism and unacceptable human rights violations in held Kashmir. Pakistan will continue raising the plight of the innocent Kashmiris and support their inalienable right to self-determination as enshrined in the UN Security Council resolutions.

Brig. (Retd.) Mehmood Shah (Defense Analyst): The situation in Afghanistan is worsening day by day. The impact of humanitarian crises in Afghanistan can be felt in Pakistan as well as the dollar is strengthening against Pakistani rupee. The international community must come forward to provide aid to the Afghan people. The weather in Afghanistan is changing from early autumn to cold winter. The world needs to prioritize saving Afghan lives, meeting basic human needs and stemming the free-fall of the Afghan economy. Pakistan, China and other regional stakeholders are contributing to minimize the sufferings of the Afghan people through humanitarian aid.

Brig. (Retd.) Farooq Hameed (Expert on Afghan Affairs): Taliban government in Afghanistan is trying to seek international recognition but the world capitals are reluctant to do so. Pakistan and other regional stakeholders including China, Russia and Iran are providing humanitarian assistance to vulnerable Afghan people. Pakistan is time and again urging the world to come forward to support Afghan people in this crucial time. The Afghan Taliban have ensured the world that they will never let their land be used against any other country. Moreover, the Taliban government is also mediating in peace talks between TTP and Pakistan. However, the overall situation in Afghanistan is not good and the country is gradually heading towards economic collapse. Pakistan has offered the Afghan government to provide training to Afghan security forces. The Prime Minister ordered immediate shipment of in-kind humanitarian assistance worth Rs. 5 billion for Afghanistan including 50,000 MT of wheat, emergency medical supplies, winter shelters and other supplies which is a positive gesture.