Moeed Yusuf, Pakistan’s former National Security Adviser (NSA), stated on May 4 that while he does not anticipate a large-scale war with neighboring India in the near future, Pakistan must nonetheless remain strategically and militarily prepared in case such conflicts erupt due to persistent tensions and historic unpredictability between both nuclear-armed states.
Yusuf made these remarks at a national security conference held in Islamabad. At that meeting, he stressed the need for deterrence and preparedness in South Asia’s volatile geopolitical environment. Although no major war appears imminent, given history’s tensions and outstanding disputes–particularly Kashmir–we cannot let our guard down.
Yusuf, who served as National Security Adviser from 2020-2022 and is widely respected academic and policy expert, highlighted the risks of escalation in South Asia during political or military crises. According to Yusuf: “South Asia remains one of the world’s most volatile flashpoints – an absence of conflict today does not indicate lack of threat in future.”
Kashmir: At the Core
He stated that Kashmir remains at the core of bilateral conflicts between India and Pakistan. Without satisfying its people’s aspirations for their territory’s resolution, true peace cannot be realized, he warned. He further expressed concerns over provocations along the Line of Control (LoC), such as India’s abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, that continue to fuel mistrust and instability between both nations.
Yusuf Calls for Dialogue and Diplomacy While stressing preparedness, Yusuf emphasized the need for dialogue to resume between New Delhi and Islamabad. Dialogue should not be seen as weakness but as the way toward long-term solutions.”
He further requested global powers take more active steps in encouraging engagement between the two nations, warning that regional peace cannot depend on shifting political cycles alone.
He added that Pakistan must strike a balance between conventional and strategic deterrence to avoid military escalation, with both conventional forces as well as strategic deterrence being maintained simultaneously. According to Yusuf, military readiness “must not be misconstrued as aggression”, but is essential in being responsible towards border states that show signs of instability or aggressiveness over time.
Yusuf concluded by appealing to Pakistan’s civilian and military leadership to maintain strategic clarity, invest in national resilience, and enhance internal unity. Though neither India nor Pakistan desire war, history shows us how accidents and miscalculations can have disastrous results, so both must always remain ready.
His remarks have been widely disseminated and discussed within both national and international circles as South Asia navigates an ever-more-complex security environment.