New Delhi, Nov 30 (NationPress) Each time we believe that Pakistan has reached its lowest point, new events unfold that demonstrate there is no end to this country's descent. The global community has long acknowledged that true democracy has never truly flourished in a nation founded on religious identity. Its issues run deeply intertwined with the contradictions of its origins.

Deceit, duplicity, and a shocking absence of diplomatic decorum have become synonymous with Pakistan's state behavior. These patterns are not mere opinions; they are recurring realities, supported by the actions of its military, political leaders, and increasingly, its populace.

Equally concerning is the enduring faction within India that continues to promote camaraderie with a neighbor known for its volatility and animosity.

Figures such as Mani Shankar Aiyar and Farooq Abdullah appear steadfast in idealizing a relationship that has historically yielded nothing but treachery and violence for India. Their vision of brotherhood persists, even as Pakistan-backed terrorism frequently targets Indian territory.

If these advocates of peace were genuinely interested in reality, they would notice how even the Muslim nations, which Pakistan often claims as allies, treat it.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has essentially frozen regular visa issuance for Pakistani citizens, encompassing tourist, visit, and numerous work visa categories.

The rationale is straightforward: increasing incidents of visa misuse, overstays, organized begging, and criminal activities. Saudi Arabia has also adopted a cautious stance, repatriating Pakistanis caught begging. These actions stem from repeated misconduct rather than ideological reasons. These nations, despite their Muslim identity, prioritize their national security and refuse to tolerate behavior that jeopardizes their domestic stability.

In the digital realm, Pakistan's inclination for subversion appears boundless. A recent update from the social media platform X revealed a vast network of Pakistani accounts impersonating Indian users. These accounts adopted Hindu names, communicated in Hindi, and engaged in Indian political and religious discussions, all while functioning from Pakistan or West Asia.

This update validated what India has long suspected: a coordinated effort to distort public discourse, propagate false narratives, and exacerbate divisions within Indian society by concealing the true origin of the propaganda.

This behavior is not new; it aligns with a long-standing and troubling pattern. This duplicity echoes some of the most significant betrayals in the subcontinent's diplomatic history. Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who displayed unmatched courage in pursuing peace with Pakistan, experienced this betrayal firsthand. While he extended a hand of reconciliation through the Lahore process in February 1999, the Pakistani establishment initiated the Kargil incursion in May 1999.

Vajpayee stated in the Lok Sabha on May 9, 2003, "You can change your friends, but not your neighbours." This statement encapsulates a painful truth: India is geographically bound to Pakistan — not by choice. However, geography does not compel India to accept betrayal. If neighbors cannot be chosen, they can certainly be managed.

This is precisely what the current Indian administration aims to achieve: establishing deterrence, breaking the cycle of indulgence, and enforcing consequences for Islamabad's actions.

The tally of terror attacks linked to Pakistan is extensive and bloody. Since 2014, incidents include Pathankot (2016), Uri (2016), the Amarnath Yatra attack (2017), the Pulwama suicide bombing (2019), the Reasi bus attack (2024), Pahalgam (April 22, 2025), and the Delhi car blast (November 11, 2025) — all bearing the hallmarks of groups fostered, sponsored, and shielded by Pakistan's security apparatus. This is in addition to numerous smaller attacks, encounters, and infiltration attempts in Jammu & Kashmir that persist unabated.

India's response over the past decade has evolved from restraint to calculated and decisive actions — including surgical strikes, Operation Sindoor, diplomatic isolation, trade suspension, and invoking provisions of the Indus Waters Treaty. New Delhi's message is unequivocal: "Blood and water cannot flow together." This statement, made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, signifies that India will no longer tolerate terrorism emanating from Pakistan.

Nonetheless, Pakistan seems resolute in its commitment to demonstrate a lack of interest in reforming its conduct. Embarrassments abound across various sectors, from diplomacy to sports. The recent incident involving the Asia Cup trophy, where a Pakistani minister took it home and has yet to return it to the rightful champions, the Indian cricket team, exemplifies Pakistan's institutional dysfunction. It is a nation incapable of upholding even basic norms of sportsmanship, let alone its international responsibilities.

The tragedy lies not just in Pakistan's actions, but in the predictability of its behavior. The country fluctuates between economic decline, political turmoil, and military interference, yet its establishment clings to the illusion of parity with India.

While India progresses geopolitically and economically, Pakistan finds itself ensnared in a spiral of denial, conspiracy, and hostility. This cycle began with Jinnah, continued with Ayub Khan, Yahya Khan, Zulfikar Bhutto, Zia-ul-Haq, Parvez Musharraf, and now Lieutenant General Asim Munir aims for the pinnacle of leadership in his country. His intentions were glaringly evident in the April 22 Pahalgam attack and his subsequent actions.

India cannot rectify Pakistan's issues. That responsibility lies solely with Pakistan's leadership and its people. For now, the most sensible approach is one of vigilance and deterrence.

(Deepika Bhan can be reached at deepika.b@ians.in)