Where's the question of them targeting a high value target overtly in response to our taking out either a HS, MA or DI ? The latter are proclaimed offenders and on the US most wanted list of terrorists with the exception of MA.
If they weren't so scared of these guys safety, you'd be seeing them in the open. On the contrary DI is in hiding and as of now both HS & MA are running for cover constantly changing their locations every other day. That's another reason why NOTAM has been declared over Pakistan's airspace. They fear we may take out these assets anytime.
We have capability, never said we didn't, they too know that but we have the will? MA, HS in tight security is precaution, few months from now he will be attending rallies in open, I won't read anything in those NOTAM, they are over very limited areas and are our only source of joy these days.
If we had to conduct a symbolic strike in Balakot to drive a message why not firing over the mast of GHQ if we really meant business? They didn't hesitate in targeting our brigade HQ, that too after declaring upfront and in daylight. Though things didn't pan out as they planned but still they clearly showed intent and our intent is always missing with half hearted attempts and half hearted efforts.
Did we not know that a major attack will happen, it's not the matter of if but when. We knew this in 2014 when Modi and Doval took charge, what capability we developed during these 5years to avenge the upcoming threat or neutralize Hafiz Saed and Azhar?
It's not easy to take them out, I doubt if we can even take them out without significant loss on our side too and then fearing retaliation. If we had that capacity MA would be the target not Balakot. We wait, wait and wait till enemy is fully prepared and then say it's not possible now, be content with whatever we achieved. Why there is no set pre planned, pre gamed strategy to deal with this inevitable outcome? Why not strike within hours of attack and surprise them? Its Parliament attack deja vu all over again with minor changes here and there, we are moving, we are mobilizing, be afraid of us, be very afraid of us but then we vanish.
Your threat has no value if you don't have intent to follow up. Modi's red lines are thoroughly probed by Pakistan and his 2nd term will see more and bigger attacks. He chickened out on night of 27th when everything was set. Now he himself admitted he is happy with mere return of Abhinandan as it earned him some good PR. International pressure and other things means nothing to a suicidal nation only brute force and pain can keep them in control.
