After India’s air strikes against Pakistani territory and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, analysts and political commentators have focused on General Qamar Javed Bajwa as Pakistani army chief, raising doubts as to his leadership abilities and responses when tensions arise between the two nations.
India launched a series of air strikes early Tuesday morning against what it described as terror launchpads and military installations along the Line of Control (LoC). Pakistan responded by downing multiple Indian jets and damaging key military infrastructure – but these strikes have raised serious doubts regarding Pakistan’s readiness to respond effectively to an escalated military action.
General Bajwa, who took up his current post as Chief of Army Staff (COAS) in 2016, has come under intense criticism both domestically and internationally following the air strikes. Some analysts claim the response by Pakistan’s military was too delayed while others indicate their leadership is under investigation due to ongoing security challenges along the LoC.
“General Bajwa has come under close examination as military leader of Pakistan. With so much attention being focused on India’s strikes and how his leadership handled them, General Bajwa could face lasting repercussions to his legacy,” stated Dr. Ali Haider, a political analyst and former military officer based out of Islamabad. Many have asked whether their army is adequately prepared to deal with India’s growing provocations.
Bajwa’s tenure has witnessed an array of military engagements, such as the 2019 Balakot air strikes launched following a deadly attack against Indian forces in Pulwama, India. Yet recent escalation with India has raised doubts over Pakistani military’s capability of effectively deterring cross-border incursions.
Political figures in Pakistan have demanded an open and robust response to India’s actions. Opposition leader Bilawal Bhutto Zardari demanded that Parliament conduct an investigation into Pakistan’s defense readiness as well as provide details regarding their military’s plans moving forward. “We require leaders who can uphold our sovereignty, not ones who leave us vulnerable against acts of aggression,” Zardari declared via television statement.
However, General Bajwa’s supporters maintain that he has successfully maintained Pakistan’s security posture in an unstable region and that military restraint may have been strategic decision made to avoid further escalation. According to former military spokesperson Asim Saleem Bajwa – retired General Asim Saleem Bajwa knows the value of avoiding full-scale conflict with a nuclear-armed neighbor and therefore his caution shows wisdom rather than weakness.
As tensions between Pakistan and India escalate, observers are closely watching Bajwa’s actions in response. De-escalation and dialogue efforts have intensified; how Pakistan’s military chief manages this crisis may determine future relations and regional stability.
Situation remains fluid; both nations are reported to be on high alert and more developments can be expected over the course of coming days.