ndia and Pakistan were engaged in a short but intense military confrontation that started on May 7 in the wake of the Pahalgam incident. India initiated the hostilities by launching cross-border strikes using Israeli-made surveillance drones and precision-guided munitions, targeting what it claimed were militant hideouts on Pakistani territory.

The attacks marked a sharp escalation in the post-2019 security environment, reflecting India’s growing reliance on high-tech and stand-off strike capabilities. Pakistan responded swiftly and forcefully. Using a mix of indigenously developed air defence systems and Chinese-supplied weapon platforms including drones, surface-to-air missiles and radar-guided interceptors Pakistan shot down several incoming drones.

The Pakistan Air Force also downed at least five Indian fighter jets, including at least one French-built Rafale that had been inducted by the Indian Air Force with much strategic fanfare. The short limited war revealed critical shifts in South Asia’s deterrence equation. It underscored Pakistan’s growing technological capability and its resolve to defend its sovereignty through proportional response. The use of advanced weapons systems on both sides highlighted the risk of rapid escalation in a nuclearised environment and the need for urgent diplomatic engagement to prevent future crises.

India’s diplomatic campaign in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack and its own military actions sought to shape global narratives by portraying itself as a victim of terrorism and aggression. High-profile diplomatic visits, briefings for foreign diplomats and media outreach were aimed at consolidating international support and isolating Pakistan. Pakistan’s parallel diplomatic efforts spoke of a more layered approach. It focused on underscoring territorial violations by India, which also ‘suspended’ the Indus Waters Treaty, unilaterally. Pakistani officials highlighted these facts in bilateral discussions and on international forums, pressing for recognition of Islamabad’s security concerns.

Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif’s visits to Azerbaijan, Iran, Turkey and Tajikistan were emblematic of Pakistan’s strategy to consolidate regional support vis-a-vis Indian aggression. In Azerbaijan and Turkey, he received vocal support reaffirming the hosts’ longstanding partnership with Pakistan and their commitment to its territorial integrity. Turkey’s President Erdogan publicly expressed solidarity with the people of Pakistan, emphasising the need for peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir issue and enhancing trans-regional cooperation. Sharif’s visit to Tajikistan also carried notable diplomatic significance. He emphasised the importance of regional cooperation on pressing issues such as water security and climate change, topics of increasing concern across South and Central Asia. Given the common vulnerabilities of these regions to environmental stresses and trans-boundary water resource challenges, Pakistan’s call for cooperative frameworks resonated with regional policymakers seeking stability through joint resource management. The environmental diplomacy has added an important dimension to Pakistan’s foreign policy by integrating sustainable development concerns into security and economic discussions. Endorsements from regional allies signaled Pakistan’s growing diplomatic confidence and its ability to mobilise support on pressing issues including Jammu and Kashmir.

Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif’s visits to Azerbaijan, Iran, Turkey and Tajikistan were emblematic of Pakistan’s strategy to consolidate regional support vis-a-visa Indian aggression.

Pakistan’s post-war diplomacy also benefited from a deepening of its strategic partnership with China. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar’s visit to Beijing reinforced the all-weather nature of the bilateral relationship. China’s unequivocal support in reiterating Pakistan’s sovereignty claims came alongside trilateral discussions including Afghanistan, thus signaling a concerted effort to stabilise the region through peaceful means. The appointment of full ambassadors between Pakistan and Afghanistan, replacing chargés d’affaires, marked a diplomatic milestone that reflects increased trust and normalisation of relations after years of ambivalence. This normalisation is vital for Pakistan’s broad regional connectivity ambitions, particularly in the framework of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, which envisions Afghanistan as a key transit corridor linking South Asia with Central Asia.

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s diplomatic engagements were equally significant. His meetings with members of the Trump administration and congressional leaders in the United States reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to global peace and development. Importantly, the Pakistani delegation interacted with multilateral forums including the United Nations and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. The delegation consistently pressed for adherence to international law and UN resolutions on Kashmir and emphasized the need for peaceful dialogue for conflict resolution. These reiterations found resonance with several member states, of whom some called for de-escalation and cautioned against further military confrontation. Bilawal’s speech at the Middle East Institute in Washington was particularly important. He portrayed Pakistan as a potential geo-economic hub, connecting South Asia with Central Asia and the Middle East. This framing aligns with the interests of US policymakers eager to diversify regional partnerships and stabilise Eurasian trade routes. Bilawal acknowledged the discreet role of the Trump administration during the recent standoff, acknowledging that behind-the-scenes engagement had helped avert a regional conflict. The United States carries strategic leverage to mediate between India and Pakistan in the foreseeable future.

Along with conventional diplomacy, the role of digital diplomacy cannot be overstated in the age of social media. Pakistani officials, including Bilawal and Shahbaz, used social media platforms to communicate directly with international audiences. Real-time updates, official statements, and counter-narratives were disseminated widely. This digital engagement complemented traditional diplomatic channels and provided Pakistan a more agile platform to respond to Indian narratives and global media portrayals.

Beyond the immediate conflict, Pakistan’s diplomatic outreach demonstrated an increasing emphasis on connectivity and regional integration. The renewed and upgraded diplomatic ties with Afghanistan, alongside efforts to bolster cooperation with Central Asian states, highlight Islamabad’s commitment to fostering a stable regional architecture. By showcasing Pakistan as a hub for regional trade, energy and infrastructure projects, this approach counters India’s attempts to isolate Pakistan diplomatically.

The importance of water and climate diplomacy highlighted in Sharif’s Tajikistan visit adds a new layer to Pakistan’s foreign policy. With the Indus River system critical to Pakistan’s agriculture and energy sectors, and Central Asia facing increasing water scarcity due to climate change, cooperative management of shared water resources is both an urgent necessity and an opportunity for confidence-building among the conflicting countries such as India and Pakistan. The environmental focus also aligns with global climate governance trends, positioning Pakistan as a responsible regional actor committed to sustainable development.

The evolving diplomatic dynamics post-standoff highlight Pakistan’s ability to navigate complex geopolitical currents. The engagements demonstrate a sophisticated blend of traditional statecraft, digital communication and regional alliance building. By emphasising sovereignty, regional peace, climate resilience and economic connectivity, Pakistan has sought to construct a narrative that counters Indian attempts at diplomatic isolation and positions itself as a constructive player in South Asia geopolitics.

Last but not the least, the activity following the recent military confrontation with India reflects a strategic recalibration. The country is no longer confined to a reactive posture. It is actively shaping the discourse around its security and development imperatives. Through careful interaction with regional powers such as China, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Iran and Tajikistan, improving ties with Afghanistan and sustained engagement with the United States, Pakistan is asserting its place on the trans-regional stage. This approach underscores a new era of diplomacy for Pakistan one that balances assertive defence with proactive dialogue; leverages traditional alliances while embracing new partners; and integrates environmental and economic concerns into its foreign policy matrix. Above all, it represents a pragmatic and forward-looking vision aimed at securing Pakistan’s sovereignty, fostering regional stability and advancing sustainable development goals in an increasingly interconnected world.

The writer has a PhD in political science from Heidelberg University and post-doc experience at University of California, Berkeley. He is a DAAD, FDDI and Fulbright fellow and an associate professor at Lahore School of Economics. He can be reached at ejaz.bhatty@gmail.com