Dr. Mariam Mufti on India-Pakistan Conflict, China’s Role & Regional Shifts

🎙️ In this exclusive interview, political scientist Dr. Mariam Mufti of the University of Waterloo breaks down the recent military escalation between India and Pakistan.We discuss five major shifts in this latest round of conflict:Civilian targets were struck for the first time in Kashmir.India responded not just in disputed Kashmir, but by striking deep inside Pakistani Punjab.Media sensationalism drove public opinion on both sides.Unlike previous confrontations, the international community showed little willingness to intervene.China came out more decisively than ever in support of Pakistan—marking a new phase in South Asian geopolitics.🧭 We also covered broader regional dynamics, including:– India’s shifting alliances toward Southeast Asia and the Middle East– The Israel–Iran conflict and Pakistan’s support for Iran– Strains emerging in India–Iran ties– The increasing cooperation between Pakistan, China, Iran, and Russia📌 Kianistan Editorial NoteWhile Dr. Mufti suggests that Pakistan suffered a tactical defeat—citing its inability to strike inside India—we respectfully differ.Military conflicts are inherently opaque, obscured by the "fog of war." However, it is inconceivable that Pakistan would have agreed to a ceasefire without a retaliatory strike—as this would have exposed it to future Indian aggression.Indeed, we concur with Indian defence analyst Pravin Sawhney (Force Magazine), who argues that Pakistan now feels emboldened and may initiate the next escalation.🇵🇰 Pakistan’s Claimed Retaliation: Operation Bunyan um Marsoos (8–10 May 2025)Pakistan reports it struck several Indian military targets in response to the Indian airstrikes of May 7, including:Jammu Air Force StationPathankot Air Force StationUdhampur Air Force StationSirens reported in Amritsar and JalandharIndian military spokesperson Colonel Sophia Qureshi later confirmed damage to the following bases:Udhampur AFSPathankot AFSAdampur AFSBhuj AFSBathinda AFSShe admitted to "equipment and personnel" losses but avoided specifics.India’s shifting statements—from denying any damage to later acknowledging air force losses—raise serious questions about the official narrative.Until India provides full transparency, it is not reasonable to dismiss Pakistan’s claims entirely.📄 Our editorial team will publish a full analysis on this topic at Kianistan.com in the coming days.Subscribe for more in-depth discussions on geopolitics, Islam, and emerging tech.🔔 Turn on notifications so you don’t miss upcoming interviews.Visit us at: 🌐 www.kianistan.comSupport our sponsors: 💼 www.worldwidelistings.co.uk #IndiaPakistan #Geopolitics #SouthAsia #MariamMufti #Kianistan #ChinaPakistan #IranIsrael #BRI #CPEC #IndiaIran #PravinSawhney #PakistanMilitary #OperationBunyanumMarsoos