In the aftermath of the deadly Pahalgam terror attack that claimed the lives of Indian soldiers and civilians, New Delhi responded with a flurry of diplomatic, military, and symbolic measures aimed at isolating Pakistan and signaling zero tolerance for cross-border terrorism.
While India’s actions were swift and strategic, what followed in Pakistan was a curious and telling pattern of imitation.
PM Modi’s Adampur visit vs Shehbaz’s Army base photo-op
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the frontline airbase in Adampur, Punjab, was a powerful message: India was ready to respond to any threats with strength, and Pakistan’s claims of destroying key military assets and the said airbase were bogus.
Within 48 hours, Pakistan’s PM Shehbaz Sharif turned up at Pasrur Cantonment in Sialkot for a similar photo-op. The rushed nature of the visit, complete with awkward optics and a lack of clear messaging, made it look like a pale imitation rather than a confident show of unity.
Persona non grata: A mirror move
On May 13, after India declared a Pakistani official in New Delhi ‘persona non grata’, Pakistan also declared a staff member of the Indian High Commission in Islamabad ‘persona non grata’.
Copying India’s decision, Pakistan also declared the Indian staff in Islamabad to leave the country within 24 hours, declaring him ‘persona non grata’.
On April 24 – two days after the Pahalgam terror attack – India had summoned Pakistan’s top diplomat, Saad Ahmad Warraich, in New Delhi late last night and a formal persona non grata note was handed over for all Pakistani military diplomats.
Persona non grata is a Latin term meaning “unwelcome person.” In everyday use, it refers to someone who is no longer accepted or welcome within a specific group, setting, or country.
Border closures – Attari first, Wagah follows
Among its several measures announced on April 23, India suspended movement of goods and people at the Attari border. Within hours, Pakistan announced the closure of the Wagah border—an almost predictable move designed to mirror India's decision.
India also ordered all Pakistani nationals to return via the check-post within a specified time. Pakistan did the same.
Military Messaging: DG ISPR’s failed attempt to match Indian Army's clarity
Following the announcement of ceasefire on May 10, when the Indian Army conducted a crisp, coordinated press conference outlining the objectives and success of Operation Sindoor, the world took notice. Days later, Pakistan’s DG ISPR took the podium, trying to mirror the format and tone. But where India’s briefing was clear, data-driven, and confident, Pakistan’s came across as defensive, vague, and laced with blame-shifting.
Tiranga Yatra vs Shahid Afridi’s rally
India launched Tiranga Yatras across the country to reinforce national unity and assert its democratic resilience. In response, Pakistan tried to orchestrate its own "patriotic rally" led by cricketer-turned-controversial activist Shahid Afridi.
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