On Thursday, Pakistan tested its surface-to-surface ballistic missile (Ghaznavi) which is capable of delivering a nuclear payload in the operating range of 290 km. It was a response to India previous missile tests.
India was quick and tested its K-4 nuclear-capable submarine-launched ballistic missile for the 2nd time this week. The missile has a range of 3,500 km and can hit all parts of Pakistan.
The tense relationship between the two is always used to cash on domestic and international politics.
Both countries are facing some serious issues domestically, the missile testings can help revive their national patriotism and avoid attention to more serious issues.
Mr Khan government is totally helpless to take out Pakistan from serious economic troubles, while Mr Modi is pleasing his extremist Hindu party.
India wants a limited war with Pakistan. It wants dominance in the region and it considers Pakistan a great threat for its developments.
Pakistan needs to change its policy and should widen its arsenal by adding economic strength, industrialisation, IT, manpower, strong lobbying, low-cost production etc. All these are in Indian government toolbox.
Unfortunately, the Pakistan army does not want to lose control over the government toolbox.
In the end, we would have another conventional war. It would hit Pakistan badly. China and Saudi would never allow Pakistan to use nuclear weapons and neither irrational to be part of such a war. Both have a substantial influence on the Pakistani government.
North Korea is a good example of how China kept her away from taking any stupid decisions.