There is a creeping sense of déjà vu in South Asia.. In the past two weeks, the Kashmir Valley has witnessed a disturbing escalation in violence after the Pahalgam attack that left 26 civilians dead. What was disturbing was Pakistan’s use of tactics that bear a striking resemblance to those employed by militant groups in the Middle East, particularly Hamas and Hezbollah against Israel. From coordinated cheap drone and missile attacks to the convening of terror symposia with international participants, Pakistan’s approach to the Kashmir conflict appears to be evolving in a manner that raises serious concerns about regional stability and the safety of civilians.
Hamas and Hezbollah have perfected the art of asymmetric warfare, blending religious fervour, political rhetoric, and low-cost, high-impact violence to undermine conventional military powers. From the use of Iranian-style drone swarms to Hamas-inspired rocket attacks, from public terror conferences involving transnational jihadist figures to the manipulation of civilian sentiment through targeted disinformation, Pakistan’s approach to the Kashmir issue appears to be undergoing a transformation that demands closer scrutiny.
At the heart of this transformation is a troubling question: Is Pakistan trying to turn Kashmir into the next Gaza? A permanently militarised pressure point, cultivated to bleed its larger neighbour slowly, and used as a theatre to project influence, ideology, and vengeance?
The Pahalgam Attack and Its Aftermath
On April 22, 2025, a brutal attack unfolded in the serene Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Five heavily armed Pakistan-based terrorists targeted a group of tourists, resulting in the deaths of 26 individuals, including 25 Hindu tourists, a Christian tourist, and a local Muslim. The Resistance Front (TRF), believed to be an offshoot of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, initially claimed responsibility, citing opposition to non-local settlement in the region.
The Indian government’s response was swift. Prime Minister Narendra Modi returned from an overseas visit to chair a Cabinet Committee on Security meeting. Subsequently, India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, closed its borders with Pakistan, expelled Pakistani diplomats, and initiated “Operation Sindoor,” targeting terrorist infrastructure across the Line of Control.
Escalation and the Adoption of Middle Eastern Militant Tactics
On May 8, 2025, Pakistan launched eight missiles targeting key border areas in the Jammu region, including Satwari, Samba, RS Pura, and Arnia. India reported that all missiles were successfully intercepted by Indian air defence systems. The missile attack has been described as reminiscent of Hamas-style rocket offensives, indicating a concerning shift in tactics.
In addition to missile strikes, there have been reports of drone incursions and blackouts across several Indian states, suggesting a broader offensive strategy. These tactics mirror those employed by Hamas, which has used drones and rockets in its conflict with Israel.
International Terror Networks: The Rawalakote Conference
On February 5, earlier this year, a big, important gathering took place in Rawalakote, Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. The so-called “Kashmir Solidarity and Hamas Operation ‘Al Aqsa Flood’ Conference” brought together top commanders from dreaded terror outfits like Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba, alongside senior Hamas representatives, including Dr. Khalid Al-Qadoumi, Hamas’s representative in Iran. This marked the first known instance of a Hamas leader visiting Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. It signalled a deepening collaboration between Pakistan-based terror outfits and international terror organisations.
The presence of such figures at an official event underscores Pakistan’s continued support and promotion of terrorism under the guise of “Kashmir solidarity.” It also indicates an expansion of Hamas’s influence beyond the Middle East, raising concerns about the globalisation of religiously radical terror ideologies and tactics.
Technology and External Actors
Pakistan deployed around 300 to 400 drones during this period, primarily Turkish-made models such as the Bayraktar TB2 and Asisguard Songar. These drones were used not only for surveillance but also for precision strikes and coordinated attacks, signalling a shift from conventional proxy tactics to a more technologically advanced asymmetric warfare approach.
Turkish involvement is evident not just through the drones themselves but also via military advisors and technical operatives reportedly aiding Pakistani forces in drone deployment and maintenance. This level of external support allowed Pakistan to replicate tactics previously seen in conflicts involving Hamas and Hezbollah, where drone warfare played a pivotal role.
The aftermath of Operation Sindoor saw India successfully neutralising several drone launch pads and training camps within Pakistan, particularly in regions like Bahawalpur. The operation also exposed the complex supply chain behind Pakistan’s drone arsenal, involving Turkish hardware and expertise, alongside Chinese missile systems
Implications for Regional Stability
There can’t be a mincing of words here. Pakistan is playing with fire. The adoption of Hamas-like tactics by a professional military and the increased collaboration with Islamist terrorist groups by Pakistan will leave significant implications for regional stability. These actions will lead to heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, increasing the risk of escalation and conflict. The use of asymmetric warfare tactics could result in civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure, exacerbating the humanitarian situation in the region.
The international community has expressed concern over the growing crisis. The United States has called for restraint, with President Trump expressing a willingness to mediate and also claiming credit for the ceasefire.
India Pakistan and the Bone of Contention
Pakistan’s recent actions suggest a strategic shift towards tactics employed by groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. This approach raises serious concerns about the potential for increased violence and instability in the Kashmir region. It is imperative for the international community to closely monitor these developments and encourage dialogue between India and Pakistan to prevent further escalation.
The situation in Kashmir is complex and fraught with historical tensions. However, even the fiercest supporters of Pakistan in this situation cannot justify the adoption of tactics that endanger civilian lives, and regional stability cannot be ignored. A concerted effort is required to address the root causes of the conflict and to prevent the region from descending into a cycle of violence reminiscent of other protracted conflicts around the world.
India is countering Pakistan’s attempts to turn Kashmir into another Gaza through decisive military operations like Operation Sindoor, targeting terror infrastructure and drone launch sites across the Line of Control. Enhanced surveillance, advanced air defence systems, and rapid intelligence sharing have thwarted missile and drone attacks. Diplomatic measures, including suspending bilateral treaties and isolating Pakistan internationally, complement the military response. India’s resolve to protect civilian lives and maintain regional stability is unwavering, signalling zero tolerance for asymmetric warfare tactics. This comprehensive approach underlines India’s commitment to denying safe havens for terror groups and safeguarding Kashmir’s peace and security.
