Wars often begin with words—and sometimes, peace does too.
In a world increasingly divided by borders, ideologies and competing narratives, language remains one of our most powerful tools for building understanding and preventing conflict.
Yet, it is frequently neglected in international relations, where power politics and strategic agendas tend to dominate.
The recent escalation in India-Pakistan tensions—sparked by the contentious Pahalgam operation, which many have condemned as a false flag incident—reminds us how dangerously words can be used to fuel hostility instead of calming it.
Language is not just a means of communication; it carries within it our cultures, identities and perspectives.
When nations stop listening to each other—both literally and metaphorically—mistrust deepens.
In South Asia, India and Pakistan don’t just share a border; they share history, languages and people.
Urdu, Hindi and Punjabi connect communities on both sides, providing a rare culture overlap that can be used as a building block for peace.
Unfortunately, this shared heritage has often been ignored, weaponized, or buried under decades of political enmity and mutual distrust.
The Pahalgam attack is a recent example.
While Indian news channels were quick to blame cross-border militants, Pakistani opinion was largely excluded or demonized.
In the days that followed, Pakistan extended an offer for a joint investigation—an important step toward finding the truth and calming tensions— but India refused to engage.
What could have been a moment for calm diplomacy and mutual accountability instead turned into another round of blame and denial.
Without space for open, respectful dialogue, public opinion on both sides was swept up by loud headlines and emotional narratives.
The result wasn’t clarity—it was confrontation.
This is where language and communication play an important role.
When used thoughtfully, language can deconstruct stereotypes, invite empathy and open doors that weapons never will.
International diplomacy thrives when parties are willing to listen, understand and respond.
Multilingual diplomacy, clear communication and linguistic empathy are essential tools for avoiding misunderstandings that can spiral into real-world violence.
For India and Pakistan, the need for open and respectful dialogue is more urgent than ever—not through press statements filled with hostility or media propaganda, but through genuine, human conversations at both the official and grassroots levels.
In addition, the media narratives on both sides must take responsibility.
Words have the power to start wars, but they can also stop them.
Journalism that avoids inflammatory language, promotes balanced reporting and gives space to multiple perspectives can shift public debate from enmity to empathy.
As long as language continues to be used to deepen divides, conflict will always find fertile ground.
But if instead we use language to bridge borders—with understanding, with empathy and with care—then peace becomes more than just a possibility.
It becomes a shared future—not just for India and Pakistan, but for a more peaceful
—The writer is contributing columnist, based in Lahore.
