Terrorism in Pakistan: The Indo-Iran Nexus

Image Credits: Reuters

In addition to the local factors that have contributed to the emergence of various terrorist groups in Pakistan, the evidence of foreign influence, particularly from India and Iran, is too substantial to be dismissed.

India: The South Asian Giant

Given its ambitions for a more assertive role in the global order, it is imperative to mention India\’s contested, historically monopolistic dominance of South Asia. This also alludes to the support it offers to proxies in the region.

Iran: Its Asymmetric Footprint in South Asia

While Iran\’s tacit assistance of terrorist groups in neighboring countries exacerbates the suffering of Pakistan and the South Asian region, insurgents and terrorist groups are challenging to put an end to as long as they have sanctuaries nearby.

India: On Defeatism and Ideology

In view of certain objectionable remarks that have emerged, it is vital to remember that ideology—not hypocrisy—should be the master. If the hypocrisy generated of lethargy and cowardice is not eradicated, it will feed defeatism, which is unwarranted and destructive.

TTP: “Let’s Disturb China”

TTP, IEA and China

Owing to its historical and current ties to regional terrorist groups, TTP is one of China\’s greatest security challenges. However, it is strategically unsustainable unless the Afghan Taliban stop supporting it on the pretext of fulfilling their ethno-religious obligations.