On Tuesday 27th May, Spearfish Security hosted a focused webinar exploring the recent escalation between India and Pakistan — and how our SONAR platform helped organisations respond rapidly and effectively.
Presented by Managing Director Dan Hooton, with insights from regional advisors Fida Hussain (Pakistan) and Manoj Gaur (India), the session offered a concise but powerful overview of the situation, the operational challenges faced by INGOs and businesses, and the role of digital tools in managing complex security risks.
Setting the Scene: Rising Tensions in South Asia:
In Pakistan, longstanding political instability, especially involving PTI and PML-N/PPP, combined with economic hardship and stalled IMF negotiations, fuelled nationwide unrest.
In India, upcoming national elections added to an already polarised climate. A major terrorist attack in Jammu & Kashmir on 22 April escalated tensions sharply, triggering Indian airstrikes on 7 May, followed by a forceful response from Pakistan.
Escalation, Impact and International Response
This led to serious disruption in both countries:
Pakistan faced widespread protests, information blackouts, and suspended air travel. Field access was restricted, particularly in high-risk cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad.
India implemented civil defence drills, increased military presence, and issued travel advisories. NGOs paused deployments to affected regions.Although diplomatic engagement remained low-profile, international pressure — particularly from the United States — helped broker a ceasefire on 10 May. Nonetheless, tensions remain.
How SONAR Supported Clients in Real Time
Dan then walked attendees through the technical and operational response via SONAR, Spearfish’s digital risk management platform. Key actions included:
- Risk Alerts triggered by early verified intelligence
- Spot Reports summarising threat escalation and contextual analysis
- Updated Security Risk Assessments with revised risk ratings and mitigation guidance
- Actionable Responses, including suspended travel and amended movement plans
- Overwatch Tracking to locate and monitor in-country staff
- Travel Diary Audits to flag, cancel, or re-route trips in affected regions
- Daily Crisis Management Team Briefings to coordinate internal and client responses
- Review of Emergency Plans, including hibernation, relocation, and medical protocols
This comprehensive response was enabled by SONAR’s flexibility, real-time functionality, and integration with local advisory networks.
Forecast and Flashpoints
The outlook remains complex: Pakistan continues to face risks along the Line of Control, unresolved water disputes, and the threat of renewed attacks or false flag incidents. India is entering a politically charged period, with potential unrest driven by election rhetoric, communal tensions, and misinformation. Kashmir remains especially volatile.
Key Takeaways
- Escalations happen quickly — access to real-time, verified intelligence is critical
- A robust travel diary is essential for knowing who is where and when
- Having plans and protocols in place before a crisis hits is vital
- Digital platforms like SONAR can dramatically enhance situational awareness and crisis response
- Ground-level verification from local advisors strengthens decision-making
- Scalable support options allow organisations to adapt quickly as the situation evolves
For more information, or to request a demonstration of SONAR, please contact rosieturner@spear-fish.com.
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