Mufti Urges Peace: “War Is Not Even a Last Option” Between Nuclear Powers

As tensions simmer between India and Pakistan, PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti from IIOJK makes a strong appeal for diplomacy over destruction, warning that war brings nothing but loss.

Mehbooba Mufti, the President of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has strongly criticized the Modi-led Indian government and its aggressive, jingoistic narrative, particularly in its handling of India-Pakistan relations. Speaking in an interview with an Indian media outlet, Mufti firmly declared that war is not an option, especially between two nuclear-armed nations.

“War is not even a last option when you are a nuclear power,” she emphasized, pointing out the catastrophic consequences of escalating hostilities between India and Pakistan.

Mufti clarified that the ongoing conflict is not a battle between civilians but between two states. She stressed that such disputes should be resolved through political engagement and diplomatic channels, not military action. “Where a knife was needed, you pulled out a sword. What has that achieved?” she asked rhetorically, criticizing the government for choosing confrontation over conversation.

The PDP leader highlighted the devastating impact of war on ordinary people, particularly those living near the border regions in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). She pointed out that the real cost of war is borne by civilians, whose lives are upended in the crossfire of geopolitical disputes.

“War brings destruction and fuels media TRPs, but it destroys the lives of those in border areas,” Mufti noted. She referenced recent tragedies, including the deaths of 27–28 people in Pahalgam and widespread damage in areas like Poonch, where many homes were reduced to rubble and innocent lives—including women and children—were lost.

Mufti’s remarks also addressed the media’s role in fueling nationalist hysteria, which she believes diverts attention from meaningful dialogue and diplomacy. She expressed frustration that, despite the violence and loss, no concrete outcomes have been achieved, and justice remains elusive for victims of attacks.

Her call for peace comes amid growing concern about the escalation of India-Pakistan tensions, with border skirmishes and political rhetoric reaching dangerous levels. Mufti urged both nations to reflect on the futility of conflict and instead work toward long-term peace through negotiation, not nationalism.