SOURCE: AFI
The Kargil War of 1999 between India and Pakistan remains one of the most significant and controversial conflicts in the history of South Asia. While the war’s outcome has been well-documented, the question of Pakistan Army casualties during the conflict continues to be a topic of debate, with conflicting figures presented by different sources over the years.
Dr. Ishtiaq Ahmed, a noted Pakistani-Swedish political scientist and historian, shed light on the divergence in casualty figures provided by prominent Pakistani leaders. According to him, former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto claimed that around 3,000 Pakistani soldiers died during the Kargil War. In contrast, her political rival and another former Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif, estimated the figure at 2,500 soldiers.
These figures starkly contrast with the official narrative presented by the Pakistan Army during and after the war. Initially, Pakistan downplayed its involvement in the conflict, describing the fighters as “Kashmiri militants” rather than regular Pakistani troops. However, evidence and accounts from both Indian and international sources later revealed that the Pakistani Army’s Northern Light Infantry (NLI) played a central role in the conflict.
Independent assessments, including those from Indian sources, have also suggested higher casualty numbers for the Pakistani side. According to the Indian Army, which launched Operation Vijay to reclaim the intruded positions, approximately 700–1,000 Indian soldiers lost their lives, while Pakistan’s losses were estimated to be significantly higher due to its defensive posture in exposed positions and sustained artillery barrages. Indian estimates of Pakistani casualties range from 2,000 to 4,000 soldiers, consistent with the claims made by Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif.
Factors Contributing to the High Casualties
Intense Indian Counteroffensive:
The Indian Army’s relentless assaults to reclaim lost territory and the strategic use of air power inflicted severe damage on Pakistani troops.
Exposed Positions:
The Pakistani forces had occupied elevated positions in the Kargil sector. While these heights initially gave them a tactical advantage, they became vulnerable to Indian air and artillery strikes.
Poor Logistical Support:
Due to the lack of adequate supply lines, many Pakistani soldiers suffered from exposure, hunger, and exhaustion, contributing to the heavy losses.
Despite these differing figures, what remains undeniable is the heavy toll the Kargil War took on both sides. The war not only strained India-Pakistan relations further but also brought immense suffering to the families of soldiers who perished in the conflict.
One of the most contentious aspects of Pakistan’s handling of the Kargil War is the lack of recognition and acknowledgment of its soldiers’ sacrifices. Unlike India, where fallen soldiers are commemorated as heroes, many Pakistani soldiers were denied proper acknowledgment. This lack of transparency continues to be a point of criticism for Pakistan’s military and political leadership.