A month since the Pakistan-sponsored terror attack on the CRPF convoy in Pulwama, followed by India’s air strike on a Jaish-e-Mohammed camp in Balakot, it is time we examined the motive behind the attack, in order to strategise for the future. Pulwama was a well-conceived attack, masterminded by Pakistan’s deep state with a wide range of possible motives: a spectacular counter-attack in response to Operation All Out in Kashmir could show India’s political leadership in poor light and hurt their re-election prospects, derail the democratic process in Kashmir, and rein in Pakistan’s political leadership that had begun to divert attention from national security to economic revival. It could also herald Ghazwa-e-Hind (holy war against India), timed with the announcement of withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan, besides avenging the killing of Jaish chief Masood Azhar’s nephews and demonstrating that he is still in control.