A New India
Chapter 141 - 141: Pakistan’s Response

General Ayub Khan, the commanding officer of the Pakistan Army, was seated behind his large oak desk in the military headquarters of Rawalpindi when the news hit him like a punch to the gut.

His aide, Major Zubair, had just entered the office, his face pale, clutching a document in his hand.

"Sir," Zubair said, barely able to hide the tension in his voice, "there's something you need to see."

Ayub looked up from the reports on his desk. The sun was just setting over the city, casting a dull orange glow through the windows.

He was tired after a long day of meetings and strategy sessions, most of them focused on maintaining the delicate balance of power between Pakistan and India.

But the look on Zubair's face was enough to make his fatigue vanish instantly.

"What is it, Major?" Ayub asked, his voice sharp but steady.

Zubair handed over the document without a word.

Ayub's eyes scanned the report, and as he read, his expression darkened.

His brow furrowed, and the muscles in his jaw tightened.

The Indian Army had initiated a massive mobilization along the western border.

Not just a small movement of troops, but a full-scale deployment, tens of thousands of soldiers, tanks, artillery, and aircraft being moved into positions along the length of the border.

Ayub dropped the paper on his desk, his eyes burning with frustration.

"What the hell are they doing?" he muttered under his breath.

Zubair stood silently, waiting for further instructions, but the tension in the room was growing more.

"Have we heard anything from their diplomatic channels? Any warning, any statements?"

Ayub asked, trying to control the growing anger in his voice.

Zubair shook his head. "No, sir. No formal communication. Just this mobilization. It's sudden."

Ayub stood up from his desk, pacing the room with long, purposeful strides.

He couldn't make sense of it. India had made no announcements, no threats.

They had given no indication that they were preparing for conflict.

And yet here they were, moving their military to the border in a way that couldn't be ignored.

"This is more than just a show of force," Ayub said, half to himself. "Something's going on."

Zubair cleared his throat. "Sir, the ISI has been monitoring increased intelligence activity in Balochistan, there's been unusual chatter, spy activities, and even some disruptions around Chagai Hills. We were already on alert. Do you think this could be connected?"

Ayub stopped pacing, his eyes narrowing as the pieces began to fit together in his mind. "What kind of disruptions?"

Zubair hesitated for a moment.

"There were reports of informants being questioned more aggressively, strange movements from foreign agents, and we've lost contact with a few of our lower-level assets in the region. Some believe the Indians have stepped up their intelligence efforts, particularly around our projects in the hills."

Ayub's fists clenched at his sides. Chagai Hills.

The very mention of that region sent a chill down his spine.

Pakistan's nuclear ambitions had been developing quietly in that remote part of the country.

The Indians had been in the dark about it, at least, they were supposed to be.

"What are you suggesting, Major?" Ayub asked, his voice low.

Zubair shifted on his feet. "I'm not certain, sir, but... this mobilization might not be a random show of strength. If they know what's happening in Balochistan, especially near Chagai, they might be preparing for something bigger."

Ayub's eyes hardened. "They wouldn't dare," he said coldly.

"If they know... if they suspect we're working on a nuclear program, they'd know the consequences of striking us directly."

Zubair remained silent, not wanting to say what they were both thinking.

A strike on Pakistan's nuclear ambitions, before they were fully realized, could cripple the country's future military capabilities.

But it would also throw the region into chaos.

Ayub's mind raced.

He needed answers, and he needed them fast.

He reached for the phone on his desk and dialed the direct line to General Ahmed, one of his most trusted commanders.

"Ahmed," Ayub said once the line connected, "I want our forces mobilized along the border. Heavy mobilization. We can't sit idle while India moves their troops into position. I want every battalion in Punjab and Sindh ready to move. And I want the Air Force on high alert."

There was a pause on the other end before Ahmed replied.

"Understood, sir. I'll get the logistics moving immediately. But sir… do you really think they're preparing for war?"

Ayub clenched his jaw.

"I don't know. But we can't afford to take that risk. Mobilize the men. And keep me updated on any movements on their side. If they're coming for us, I want to know."

He slammed the phone down and turned to Zubair.

"Get me the head of the ISI, immediately. I want to know exactly what's happening in Balochistan and what the hell the Indians are up to."

Zubair nodded and hurried out of the room, leaving Ayub alone with his thoughts.

His heart was pounding in his chest.

This wasn't how things were supposed to go. Pakistan's nuclear project was a closely guarded secret, and they had been careful to avoid detection.

If India was making a move now, it meant they had learned something, something dangerous.

---

An hour later, Lieutenant General Tariq Malik, the head of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), entered Ayub's office.

He was a sharp, methodical man, known for his ability to read situations with unnerving clarity.

But even Malik seemed tense as he took a seat across from Ayub.

"You called for me, General?" Malik asked, his voice calm.

Ayub handed him the document Zubair had brought earlier. "India has begun a heavy mobilization along the border. They're moving fast. I need to know why."

Malik studied the document briefly, his face betraying little emotion. "This is more than just a routine show of strength," he said, setting the paper down. "They've activated troops, air force, and naval assets. They're preparing for something."

Ayub leaned forward, his eyes sharp. "Do they know about Chagai Hills?"

Malik paused, choosing his words carefully. "We've seen an increase in intelligence activity in Balochistan, especially near the Chagai region. Our assets on the ground have reported more aggressive movements from foreign agents, particularly Indian. We've had a few disturbances, informants disappearing, increased surveillance on military convoys.

It's possible the Indians have caught wind of something."

Ayub's fists clenched. "If they know about the nuclear project…"

Malik held up a hand, trying to calm the tension in the room. "It's not confirmed that they know the full extent of what we're doing. But if they've seen enough to suspect something, this mobilization could be their way of pressuring us, or preparing for a strike."

"A strike on Chagai?" Ayub asked, his voice low and dangerous.

"It's a possibility," Malik admitted. "But it's also possible they're using this mobilization as a form of deterrence. If they believe we're close to developing nuclear capability, they might be trying to force our hand before we can complete the project."

Ayub leaned back in his chair, his mind working through the options. "We can't let them think they've got the upper hand."

Malik nodded. "No, sir. We need to respond, firmly."

Ayub stood, pacing the room as his mind raced. "We need to match their mobilization. If they're moving troops to the border, then we'll do the same. I want our forces fully mobilized along the entire length of the border. If they want to play this game, we'll show them we're ready."

Malik didn't argue. "The bigger question is the possibility of them knowing it and using this as a point to start a war. They know Americans won't be able to support us in situation like this. So sir I feel it is necessary to focus more on the frontline because Balochistan is secure and no problem will happen there"

Ayub nodded, his decision made.

"Yes, this also is a possibility that can come true. I will trust you with the protection of Chagai Hills and keep our nuclear project on track. Whatever happens, we can't afford any delays. If they think they can stop us, they're mistaken."

Malik stood, his face serious. "Understood, General."

As Malik left the office, Ayub stood alone in the middle of the room, his heart pounding with a mix of anger and uncertainty.

India was moving, and now Pakistan had no choice but to respond.

The mobilization order had been given, and the chessboard was set.

Both countries were now ready for a dangerous escalation, with nuclear ambitions hanging in the balance.

This wasn't just about military strength or border skirmishes anymore.

This was about survival, about ensuring that Pakistan had the power to defend itself in a world where nuclear weapons were becoming the ultimate currency of power.

"Let them come," Ayub muttered to himself, his eyes narrowing. "We'll be ready."

History will remember this era and those who shaped it, changing the world forever.