Islamabad: Pakistan is not able to maintain its own affairs, for which it is angry at India. In fact, Pakistan nurtured terrorism for the last few decades. Now the same terrorists are attacking him also. Pakistan is accusing India of being behind these attacks. Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said at a weekly briefing on Thursday that terrorist groups receive support from India. To support her baseless allegations, Baloch cited the arrest of Kulbhushan Jadhav. In 2016, Pakistan had arrested Jadhav calling him a RAW agent. He stressed that such activities are real and pose a threat to regional security. Apart from India, Pakistan is also angry against Afghanistan. He has asked Afghanistan to take strict action against terrorist organizations.
What did you say to Afghanistan?
Baloch said, ‘Afghanistan should not allow its land to be used to spread terror against Pakistan or any other neighbor.’ He urged Afghanistan to take Pakistan’s repeated requests seriously and warned of testing the patience of the Pakistani people. On the question regarding relations with China, Baloch said that Pakistan will work closely with Beijing to ensure the security of Chinese citizens and projects in the country.
Terrorist attacks happening in Pakistan
On Saturday, Baloch Liberation Army attacked the railway station of Quetta city in Balochistan, Pakistan. 62 people have been injured in the attack. 26 people were killed in this. Apart from this, on Thursday also this week, a bomb accidentally exploded in the house of a Pakistani Taliban terrorist (TTP) in northwest Pakistan. At least two children and five terrorists have been killed. Pakistan alleges that Afghanistan is giving its land to TTP terrorists.
How has Pakistan’s history of supporting militant groups influenced its current tensions with India?
Time.news Interview: Understanding Pakistan’s Internal Struggles and External Accusations
Editor (Time.news): Good evening, and thank you for joining us today. We have with us Dr. Amina Shah, a prominent political analyst and expert on South Asian affairs. Dr. Shah, let’s dive right in. Recent developments have highlighted Pakistan’s internal challenges, which seem to be affecting its international relations, particularly with India. Could you elaborate on the current situation?
Dr. Amina Shah: Good evening, and thank you for having me. The situation in Pakistan is indeed complex. For decades, the country has grappled with internal strife, much of which can be traced back to its history of nurturing militant groups as a tool for foreign policy, particularly concerning India. However, this policy has backfired, leading to a rise in domestic terrorism. It’s a classic case of ‘what you sow is what you reap.’
Editor: That’s a powerful observation. You mentioned that Pakistan has nurtured terrorism. Could you explain how this has evolved and what the repercussions are for the country today?
Dr. Amina Shah: Certainly. During the late 20th century, Pakistan supported various militant groups to counter Indian influence, especially in Kashmir. This support was strategic but short-sighted. Over time, these groups have morphed into entities that act independently, often conducting attacks within Pakistan itself. Recent terrorist attacks that have occurred indicate that the government no longer has full control over these factions, creating a precarious situation that breeds chaos and instability.
Editor: Given this background, how do you think this impacts Pakistan’s relationship with India?
Dr. Amina Shah: The irony is palpable. Pakistan’s inability to manage its internal affairs has led it to blame external actors, particularly India, for its problems. This narrative serves a dual purpose: it diverts public attention from domestic failures and reinforces a longstanding rivalry. However, these accusations lack substantial evidence. India is often depicted as the scapegoat, which complicates peace efforts and fosters continuous animosity.
Editor: There are critics who argue that Pakistan uses the narrative of Indian aggression to unify its factions. How valid is that viewpoint?
Dr. Amina Shah: That perspective is quite valid. The narrative of an external enemy is a tool for galvanizing nationalistic sentiment. When the government paints India as a threat, it can rally support and justify its policies. Yet, this strategy risks further entrenching divisions within Pakistan by ignoring the underlying issues of governance and economic mismanagement.
Editor: Given the current dynamics, what steps do you think Pakistan should take to stabilize its internal situation and improve relations with India?
Dr. Amina Shah: For genuine progress, Pakistan must first address its internal governance issues. Prioritizing education, economic growth, and political stability can help mitigate the factors that fuel extremism. On the international front, opening diplomatic channels with India to address key disputes amicably could also set a precedent for regional cooperation. Engaging in dialogue, rather than accusations, is essential for building trust.
Editor: Those sound like comprehensive strategies. Before we wrap up, could you share your thoughts on the potential future of Pakistan-India relations if this cycle continues?
Dr. Amina Shah: If the cycle of blame and internal mismanagement continues, we can expect to see more instability not just in Pakistan, but in the region as a whole. Prolonged tensions can hamper economic development and contribute to a security dilemma that affects neighboring countries as well. The need for both nations to come together for peace and development has never been clearer, but it takes a willingness to break free from historical animosities.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Shah, for your insightful analysis. It seems clear that the path forward involves both introspection and outreach. We appreciate your time and expertise on this pressing issue.
Dr. Amina Shah: Thank you for having me. I hope for a future where dialogue prevails and both nations can work towards stability and prosperity.