Source: The post “Pakistan’s role in Terrorism and related International Challenges” has been created, based on the article “An anti-terror role that defies logic” published in “The Hindu” on 30 September 2025. Pakistan’s role in Terrorism and related International Challenges.
UPSC Syllabus: GS-3- Security Challenges and their Management in Border Areas – Linkages of Organized Crime with Terrorism.
Context: Pakistan has long been accused of providing safe havens and logistical support to terrorist organizations like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM). Its role in cross-border terrorism and regional instability has repeatedly drawn international attention, raising questions about the effectiveness of global counter-terrorism mechanisms.
Pakistan’s Role in Terrorism:
- Terror Shelter: Pakistan continues to harbor terrorists, including UN-designated individuals like Hafiz Saeed. The country’s law enforcement and intelligence agencies have often been complicit or passive in countering these groups.
- Strategic Manipulation: Pakistan leverages its military and Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) networks to support terrorist operations while publicly projecting itself as a responsible global actor.
- Diplomatic Maneuvering: By influencing UN committees such as the Counter-Terrorism Committee, Pakistan exploits gaps in international oversight, often blocking measures against itself.
Challenges for the UN and Global Community:
- Credibility Gap: Pakistan’s election to lead key UN committees despite evidence of terror links undermines the UN’s impartiality and commitment to counter-terrorism.
- Geopolitical Pressures: Powerful nations often shield Pakistan for strategic or economic reasons, complicating enforcement of sanctions and accountability.
- Humanitarian and Economic Dilemmas: International funding, like IMF loans, sometimes faces scrutiny due to concerns about potential misuse for terror financing.
Implications for India:
- Security Threats: Pakistan-based groups have orchestrated attacks like Pulwama, directly threatening Indian security and public safety.
- Diplomatic Constraints: Pakistan’s influence in UN bodies often limits India’s capacity to push for international sanctions or actions against terrorists.
- Global Narrative: Pakistan attempts to shape narratives around terrorism and regional stability, potentially deflecting blame onto India or justifying its proxy strategies.
Measures for India:
- Strategic Diplomacy: Leverage alliances within the UN and other multilateral forums to counter Pakistan’s influence and highlight its terror links.
- Counter-Terrorism Policies: Strengthen intelligence sharing, cybersecurity measures, and targeted sanctions against Pakistan-based entities.
- International Engagement: Conduct proactive campaigns involving global media, academia, and diaspora to expose Pakistan’s role in terrorism.
- Humanitarian and Strategic Balancing: Ensure India’s participation in humanitarian missions and UN processes to assert credibility while monitoring Pakistan’s activities.
Conclusion: Pakistan’s dual strategy of sponsoring terrorism while projecting itself as a responsible global actor poses significant challenges for India and the international community. A combination of strategic diplomacy, robust intelligence measures, and international advocacy is essential for India to counter Pakistan’s influence and strengthen global counter-terrorism efforts.
Question: Critically examine Pakistan’s role in global terrorism and the challenges it poses to India and the UN. Suggest measures for India to counter these challenges.
