Tensions between India and Pakistan have reached a boiling point, but the battle extends beyond the military front. Following the April 22 Pahalgam terrorist attack, India has opted for a calculated diplomatic offensive rather than direct retaliation, leaving debt-ridden Pakistan visibly rattled. With the International Monetary Fund (IMF) set to review Pakistan’s $7 billion loan on May 9, India’s strategic maneuvers have Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief General Asim Munir on edge, fearing a disruption in critical financial aid.

Pakistan’s anxiety stems from the possibility that India could escalate militarily or intensify its global campaign to brand Pakistan as a terrorism sponsor, potentially derailing the IMF’s first loan tranche. India has recently urged the IMF and other global financial bodies to reconsider aid to Pakistan, a demand rooted in the Pahalgam attack that killed 26 innocent people, mostly tourists. “Until Pakistan dismantles terrorist networks operating from its soil, it should not receive international financial support,” an Indian official stated, reflecting New Delhi’s firm stance.

Pakistan has dismissed India’s move as “politically motivated.” According to Pakistan’s Express Tribune, officials claim India’s actions aim to isolate Islamabad diplomatically. This rebuttal comes as the IMF’s Extended Fund Facility (EFF) review looms, a lifeline for Pakistan’s struggling economy. The Pahalgam attack, linked to five terrorists—three identified as Pakistani nationals—has bolstered India’s case, with authorities claiming to possess compelling technical and intelligence evidence to present globally.

As May 9 approaches, Pakistan faces a precarious situation: the hope of securing IMF funds is overshadowed by India’s unrelenting diplomacy and serious terrorism allegations. India’s approach signals a shift from reactive to decisive action, targeting Pakistan’s economic vulnerabilities on the world stage. With Sharif and Munir grappling to counter this pressure, India’s deft strategy has exposed Pakistan’s fragile position, proving that New Delhi can unsettle its neighbor without firing a single shot.