The period following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in India (May 2025) exposed a multifaceted crisis for the Muslim community, marked by a brief but intense military confrontation with Pakistan, the controversial enactment of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, and a disturbing surge in anti-Muslim violence and hate speech.
A chilling shift in Pakistan’s strategic posture signals a potential new front in future India-Pakistan conflicts: economic warfare. In response to recent military escalations, Islamabad is reportedly prepared to target India’s industrial hubs, threatening vital economic infrastructure and financial interests linked to the ruling elite. As deterrence evolves, New Delhi must reassess its security doctrine to safeguard the backbone of its economic power.
![China urges restraint, impartial investigation, and de-escalation in Pakistan-India tensions after Kashmir attack. [Image via fmprc]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/64b9d40a-3520-4d6e-982e-c85e13baf8e5.webp)
China urges restraint, impartial investigation, and de-escalation in Pakistan-India tensions after Kashmir attack.
![The ICC will support Afghanistan’s women cricketers separately, while ACB's funding remains for men's cricket. [Image via Getty Images]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/cba21310-1afd-11f0-b731-c780c85cb550.jpg.webp)
The ICC will support Afghanistan’s women cricketers separately, while ACB’s funding remains for men’s cricket.
![Russia suspends terrorist designation of Taliban after 20 years, aiming to boost ties with Afghanistan’s de facto rulers. [Image via Reuters]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/2024-06-05T144247Z_285717659_RC2258AQU7XE_RTRMADP_3_RUSSIA-FORUM-AFGHANISTAN-1744898647.webp)
Russia suspends terrorist designation of Taliban after 20 years, aiming to boost ties with Afghanistan’s de facto rulers.
![Visits of Ishaq Dar to Kabul and Dhaka signal breakthrough in Pakistan's relations with Afghanistan and Bangladesh. [Image via The Express Tribune]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/senator-muhammad-ishaq-dar-11739817548-0.webp)
Visits of Ishaq Dar to Kabul and Dhaka signal breakthrough in Pakistan’s relations with Afghanistan and Bangladesh.
![Two days before crucial Iran-US nuclear negotiations in Rome, Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman makes a high-level visit to Tehran. [Image via AFP].](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/4593031-145666727.webp)
Two days before Iran-US nuclear negotiations in Rome, Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman makes a high-level visit to Tehran.
Eight Pakistani laborers from Bahawalpur shot dead in Iran’s Sistan-Baluchestan; BNA claims responsibility.
![Pakistan faces $0.8bn export loss in 2024 as US slaps 39% tariff; LSE says trade diversion may offer partial relief. [Image via The Express Tribune/File]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/trump-new-tariff1743638441-0.webp)
Pakistan faces $0.8bn export loss in 2024 as US slaps 39% tariff; LSE says trade diversion may offer partial relief.
![Putin rejects full Ukraine ceasefire, agrees to halt energy attacks after Trump call; US peace talks continue in Jeddah. [Getty Image via AFP]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/b560ae7c75b481a6974415eefb3f51d24767260c.webp)
Putin rejects full Ukraine ceasefire, agrees to halt energy attacks after Trump call; US peace talks continue in Jeddah.