As cross-border tensions rise and diplomatic efforts falter, Pakistan continues to face the challenge of proxy warfare. Terrorism in the country has entered a troubling new phase. For years, officials hesitated to accuse external actors. Now, Islamabad openly alleges that neighboring powers are orchestrating instability.
Pakistan’s rivalry with India predates the 1947 partition. During the independence struggle, Hindu leadership opposed the creation of a separate Muslim state. They aimed to keep Muslims as an economic minority within a united India. When partition became inevitable, India withheld Pakistan’s rightful assets and attempted to obstruct its entry into the United Nations.
Kabul has frequently aligned against Pakistan’s interests. This hostility persisted intermittently, even during the Afghan-Soviet War.
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The Modern Proxy Threat
Today, Pakistan faces a dual threat: the hardline militant group Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, referred to as Fitna al-Khawarij by the army, and “Fitna al-Hindustan.” Analysts claim that India supplies funding, weapons, and ammunition to proxy groups. These groups allegedly operate from Afghan territory, using training camps supported by the Taliban leadership.
High-level talks in Qatar and Istanbul revealed the diplomatic fallout. Pakistani officials presented documentary evidence of terrorist sanctuaries, but Kabul refused to provide written guarantees. Afghan representatives offered verbal assurances but avoided formal commitments, citing consultations with leadership in Kabul and Kandahar.
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Internal Security Challenges
The human cost of this deadlock remains high. Yesterday, a police van in Karak came under attack, killing five officers. A joint operation by police and CTD neutralized eight terrorists. Yet, these attacks show that violence continues unabated.
Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir recently addressed these tactics at the National Defense University. He said the enemy now exploits internal vulnerabilities through proxies rather than direct confrontation. He emphasized that comprehensive readiness and coordination across all national institutions are essential.
Military leadership has outlined a roadmap to strengthen national defense. Experts agree, however, that policy alone cannot secure the state. Citizens must actively support and cooperate with the government to reinforce the country’s foundations.
Defending Pakistan, therefore, is a collective responsibility. Only a united effort by the state and its people can break the cycle of terrorism.
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