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Amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan, celebrated writer and satirist Anwar Maqsood has called for reflection and restraint, warning of the human cost of war and urging leaders to seek peace over politics.

Speaking at a press conference organised by the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi on Thursday, Maqsood said that while war rhetoric is easy to stoke, the consequences of conflict are deeply tragic. “Starting a war is easy, anything small can start a war. But ending it is difficult,” he cautioned, adding that even military victories come with little joy when innocent lives, especially those of children, are lost.

“I am more upset about the dead civilians than I am happy about the five Indian jets we brought down. Regret over innocent lives must always outweigh the celebration of military victories,” he reflected.

On Wednesday night, India attacked several sites in Pakistan as part of its ‘Operation Sindoor’. Thirty-one Pakistani civilians have been killed and another 57 injured. In retaliation, Pakistan’s military downed five Indian jets, and destroyed an Indian brigade headquarters and check posts along the Line of Control. The DG ISPR said 25 Indian drones had been downed since night between May 7 and 8. On Friday, state media said Pakistan has taken down a total of 77 Indian drones so far.

“In difficult times, we understand the importance of the army,” he said, acknowledging the public’s solidarity with Pakistan’s armed forces. “Today, 250 million people have become soldiers. I don’t have a weapon, but I have the power of the pen.”

Maqsood emphasised that love for one’s homeland transcends geography. “I respect my flag the same way Indians respect theirs. Countries are not identified by population or area. For me, Pakistan is as big as India is for an Indian.”

About the Indian media, which has been peddling misinformation and warmongering, he remarked, “India’s media can never change.”

He expressed hope that the recent escalation might serve as a wake-up call for Indian leadership. “Modi wins with votes, but maybe after this, he will come to realise that he is not doing right by Muslims, the Muslims of our country or his.”

Despite the prevailing tensions, Maqsood expressed a longing for progress and unity in the region. “Times have changed. No one wants war. We all want our country to move forward,” he said. “We should follow the path our government and our army have chosen.”

The press conference, attended by a wide array of intellectuals, poets and cultural figures, was held to protest against India’s aggressive posturing and rising war rhetoric.