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Express Tribune
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
India, ISKP and BLA: Pakistan's multi-front security challenge
The writer is a public policy analyst based in Lahore. She can be reached at durdananajam1@ Listen to article In recent years, Pakistan has grappled with an evolving security landscape marked by a resurgence of terrorism and foreign interference. From the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) to the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), and with India's Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) allegedly backing these elements, the threats are no longer isolated. They form part of a broader, transnational effort to undermine Pakistan's internal cohesion, divert its strategic focus and erode its sovereignty. At the heart of these challenges lies a sophisticated matrix of proxy warfare, disinformation campaigns and ideological subversion, designed to weaken Pakistan's state apparatus and inflame ethnic and sectarian divisions. Pakistan's commitment to countering terrorism has been evident in recent counter-intelligence successes. The arrest of an ISKP recruiter in coordination with Turkey's National Intelligence Organization (MIT) signals a proactive approach to dismantling terror networks. However, gains like these are frequently offset by persistent external interference. RAW's support to insurgent groups such as the BLA and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) reportedly extends beyond financial and logistical assistance. It includes strategic disinformation campaigns aimed at fostering mistrust within Pakistani society and delegitimising state institutions. By exploiting regional grievances — particularly in Balochistan and former tribal areas — these actors seek to provoke unrest and delegitimise constitutional authority. Such asymmetric tactics are not unique, but the scale and precision of their execution suggest a long-term strategy to destabilise Pakistan from within. The manipulation of nationalist sentiments and radical religious narratives is central to this objective, positioning Pakistan as a battleground for ideological and geopolitical contests. While ideological differences exist between groups like ISKP and BLA, they converge on one objective: undermining the Pakistani state. Rivalries between such factions may occasionally result in infighting, but their collective impact remains deeply destabilising. These groups exploit porous borders, weak governance in remote regions and access to digital platforms to sustain their operations. The fragmentation of these networks does not reduce the threat; instead, it signals a dangerous adaptability. Their volatility, combined with the external backing they receive, fuels a cycle of violence with repercussions far beyond Pakistan's borders. The result is not only domestic insecurity but also a regional spillover — disrupted trade routes, refugee inflows and diminished prospects for regional cooperation. The persistence of such conditions limits Pakistan's ability to assert itself diplomatically and economically within South Asia. Pakistan faces an existential threat, not merely through armed incursions or terrorist attacks but through strategic hybrid warfare. The tools of this conflict are disinformation, cyber subversion and proxy militancy — each aimed at fragmenting Pakistan's national identity and weakening its institutions. This multi-pronged approach serves broader geopolitical aims: to contain Pakistan's strategic outreach, curtail its role in regional diplomacy and deter foreign investment. The cost is not only economic — it is societal, institutional and psychological. A state that must perpetually defend its legitimacy at home finds it difficult to project influence abroad. Addressing these complex challenges requires more than tactical responses. While intelligence coordination and counter-terrorism operations remain crucial, the broader strategy must be structural, long-term and rooted in resilience. First, Pakistan must continue to modernise its security and intelligence infrastructure. This includes enhanced cyber surveillance, predictive analytics and robust counter-disinformation architecture. Investment in these capabilities would strengthen the state's ability to detect, deter and disrupt both internal threats and foreign interference. Second, a sustained policy of regional engagement is essential. While strategic competition with India may persist, Pakistan must continue building alliances with regional actors — particularly those with shared concerns about terrorism and cyber threats. Intelligence sharing, joint operations and diplomatic convergence, such as seen with Turkey and China, offer a pathway to collective security. Third, internal consolidation is paramount. Socio-economic disparities, especially in regions like Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, continue to serve as recruitment grounds for extremist groups. Development, however, must be matched with political inclusion, institutional reform and restoration of state legitimacy through accountable governance. Lastly, the narrative domain must not be ceded. Pakistan must invest in strategic communication — amplifying voices of national unity, countering propaganda and promoting critical media literacy. Civil society, academic institutions and religious leaders all have roles to play in rebuilding a national consensus rooted in pluralism and constitutionalism. Pakistan's security dilemma is no longer confined to its borders. The instability it faces is both a consequence and a driver of wider regional volatility. If left unaddressed, the current trajectory could precipitate broader strategic disorder across South Asia. By consolidating internal strength, refining external partnerships and investing in long-term social resilience, Pakistan can reposition itself not merely as a state under siege but as a proactive agent of regional stability — one that places sovereignty at the centre, balances coercive capability with socio-political outreach and embeds national security within a framework of regional cooperation.
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First Post
04-06-2025
- Business
- First Post
Pakistan's proxy war against Baloch people: ISKP's threats and militarisation of Balochistan
In a region already plagued by decades of militarisation, enforced disappearances, and economic marginalisation, the insertion of an extremist element like ISKP could lead to widespread civilian casualties and further radicalisation read more Rather than addressing the legitimate grievances of the Baloch people through political dialogue, the state appears to be repeating the failed tactics of proxy warfare. The image shows Baloch people protesting against the enforced disappearance of their family members: X/@MahrangBaloch_ In a striking development, the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) recently released a 36-minute propaganda video declaring war on Baloch armed groups, particularly the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) and the Baloch Liberation Front (BLF). The group accused these Baloch organisations of killing its members and dismantling an ISKP terror camp in Mastung, Balochistan, during March 2025. More alarmingly, ISKP threatened to target unarmed Baloch civilians, marking a dangerous escalation in an already volatile region. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This declaration of hostility by ISKP has not received a response from Baloch armed groups yet, but it has raised serious concerns about the involvement of state-aligned forces in deploying religious extremism as a counter-insurgency tool against Baloch nationalist movements. Understanding ISKP: Origins and Evolution ISKP emerged in late 2014 in eastern Afghanistan as a regional offshoot of ISIS at a time when the latter was at its peak in Syria and Iraq. Composed of former members of the Afghan and Pakistani Taliban as well as recruits from Central and South Asia, ISKP quickly gained notoriety for its indiscriminate violence and anti-civilian operations. After a brief period of decline, the group resurfaced with new force after the Taliban's takeover of Kabul in August 2021. One of ISKP's deadliest attacks occurred on August 26, 2021, during the US withdrawal from Kabul, killing 13 US servicemen and over 100 civilians at the airport. Since then, it has targeted Taliban officials, foreign diplomats, and religious minorities, using social media for recruitment and propaganda. Its ideological stance rejects the Taliban's vision of Sharia governance, accusing it of betraying Islamic law. Balochistan as a Strategic Ground: The Proxy Element The presence of ISKP in Balochistan has been reported multiple times over the years. Some sources allege that senior ISKP operatives have held meetings with remnants of ISIS leadership from Syria and Iraq in this region, indicating efforts to establish a strategic hub in Balochistan to expand its terror activities into South Asia. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Afghan Taliban government, recently stated that ISKP militants were trained in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces under the supervision of Pakistani intelligence agencies and were used for cross-border attacks. Although both Islamabad and Kabul have traded accusations of supporting terrorism, neither side has presented concrete evidence. However, recurring ISKP activity in Balochistan lends weight to suspicions of covert facilitation. The timing of ISKP's video, closely following a press conference by Pakistan's military spokesperson (DG ISPR), who explicitly declared war against Baloch armed groups and BYC leadership, suggests a coordinated psychological and ideological campaign. State Strategy: Religious Extremism Against Nationalist Movements The use of extremist proxies is not unprecedented in Pakistan's counterinsurgency doctrine. In the past, groups like Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, Sipah-e-Sahaba, Musallah Defa Tanzeem, and Jaish al-Adl were reportedly used to suppress Baloch nationalist sentiment. These outfits often targeted intellectuals, professors, students, and common citizens under the guise of religious orthodoxy, particularly in regions such as Awaran during the Zikri-Muslim tension. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Such tactics aimed to divide Baloch society along sectarian lines and delegitimise the secular-nationalist leadership. However, these efforts largely failed and instead generated further alienation, resistance, and political awareness among Baloch youth. BYC Under Siege: Targeting Nonviolent Resistance The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), a peaceful political organisation advocating for the rights of Baloch people, has become the face of civilian resistance. Led by figures like Mahrang Baloch, BYC has mobilised mass protests demanding the return of forcibly disappeared persons, accountability for state violence, and an end to resource exploitation in Balochistan. Despite its peaceful nature, BYC is now facing a harsh crackdown. Since late March, key leaders have been arrested under draconian laws such as the Maintenance of Public Order (3MPO), while the military has accused BYC of being an Indian proxy—without presenting any credible evidence. Connecting the dots between the DG ISPR's statements, the ISKP video, and threats to target BYC rallies, many analysts argue this reflects the old 'religious card' being played through a new proxy. The fear is that BYC's unarmed members, especially women and students participating in rallies, may become easy targets for both state-backed repression and extremist attacks. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Resilience of Baloch Armed Groups and Civil Society The Baloch armed resistance today is at its most advanced phase in decades. Compared to previous insurgencies, groups like the BLA and BLF have developed a more structured command, modern weaponry, and guerrilla capabilities suited to Balochistan's rugged terrain. Reports suggest that Baloch fighters dismantled an ISKP camp in Mastung, allegedly killing up to 30 militants—though no group has formally claimed responsibility. This not only shows their operational strength but also sends a message: Balochistan will not be allowed to become a haven for religious terrorism. Historically, Baloch nationalist groups have rejected religious extremism, advocating for a secular and democratic political future. They have consistently accused the Pakistani state of creating and manipulating extremist outfits to undermine their cause. A Dangerous Escalation with Regional Implications The ISKP video declaring war on Baloch insurgents, coupled with threats to civilian movements like BYC, marks a troubling turn. It reflects a broader strategy to criminalise both armed and peaceful resistance by invoking religious extremism as a counterforce. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In a region already plagued by decades of militarisation, enforced disappearances, and economic marginalisation, the insertion of an extremist element like ISKP could lead to widespread civilian casualties and further radicalisation. Rather than addressing the legitimate grievances of the Baloch people through political dialogue, the state appears to be repeating the failed tactics of proxy warfare. This not only threatens Baloch society but could destabilise the region further, drawing in regional powers and worsening cross-border tensions. If history is any guide, such strategies are unlikely to succeed in crushing the Baloch movement—but they may succeed in deepening the tragedy of Balochistan. Amir Naeem (X: @AmirNaeem800124) is a student of International Relations, International University Islamabad, hailing from Balochistan. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the writer. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost's views.
Arab News
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
Pakistan ranks seventh in civilian harm, second in IED casualties worldwide — report
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan ranked seventh in the world for civilian casualties from explosive weapons and second most affected nation in terms of casualties from improvised explosive devices (IEDs) last year, UK-based monitor Action on Armed Violence (AOAV) said this week. In its annual report, the AOAV said it had recorded 67,026 deaths and injuries as a result of the use of explosive weapons around the world, which was the highest since 2010. The report said 89% of 59,524 civilians were either killed or wounded by explosive weapons in 2024, adding that 41% of them, or 24,147 individuals, were killed in incidents of explosive violence. Pakistan was the seventh most affected country for civilians harmed by explosive weapons last year, with 790 civilian casualties (210 killed) in 248 incidents, a 9% decrease from 2023. However, there was a 11% increase in incidents compared to 218 in 2023. 'The majority of civilian harm was attributed to non-state actors, who were reportedly responsible for 76% (603) of civilian casualties. In particular, the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) killed and injured 119 civilians in Pakistan last year,' the report read. 'The Islamic State (Daesh) affiliate in the region, Islamic State – Khorasan Province (IS-KP), was the reported perpetrator of 45 civilian casualties in Pakistan last year, down from 194 recorded civilian casualties in 2023. The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) killed and injured 10 civilians last year, down from 32 in 2023.' Unknown non-state actors accounted for 54% of civilian casualties (423), down from 541 recorded in 2023, in Pakistan. The BLA was the reported perpetrator of 15% (119) civilian casualties, marking a 440% increase from 22 in 2023. Pakistan is currently battling twin insurgencies: one led my religiously motivated groups, including the TTP, mainly in its Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province and the other by ethno-nationalist Baloch separatist groups like the BLA in Balochistan. Islamabad has frequently accused Afghanistan and India of supporting the TTP, BLA and other militant groups who have mounted their attacks in Pakistan in recent years. Kabul and New Delhi deny the accusations. In terms of IEDs, Lebanon saw the highest level of harm globally, with 3,373 civilians killed and injured across only 16 incidents, accounting for 58% of civilian casualties from IED attacks globally, according to the report. Pakistan saw the second highest level of civilian harm due to IED attacks, with AOAV recording 485 civilian casualties (139 fatalities) in 132 incidents. 'This is a 30% decrease in civilian casualties, but an 8 % increase in incidents,' the monitor said. Other countries which saw elevated levels of civilian harm from IEDs in 2024 included Nigeria (385 civilian casualties), Iran (378), Somalia (270), Syria (253), Afghanistan (170), and Myanmar (84).
Express Tribune
05-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Three police officers killed in gun attack on traffic patrol in Russia's Dagestan
Listen to article At least three police officers have been killed and several others wounded after assailants opened fire on traffic police in the southern Russian republic of Dagestan, officials confirmed on Monday. The attack occurred in the capital city of Makhachkala at approximately 14:20 local time (11:20 GMT) when police attempted to stop a vehicle, according to Dagestan's regional leader, Sergei Melikov. The Interior Ministry stated that gunmen began shooting as officers approached the car. Two attackers, both born in 2000, were shot dead at the scene. Authorities have not disclosed how many others were involved in the ambush. State media reports suggest additional suspects fled in a vehicle, sparking a broader manhunt in the region. Footage shared on Telegram and verified by the Reuters news agency depicted bodies on the road beside a police vehicle, with gunfire ringing out as crowds gathered nearby. Four more police officers and several civilians, including a 17-year-old girl, were taken to hospital. One of the wounded later succumbed to injuries, bringing the total number of fatalities to at least four. A criminal investigation is now underway. Dagestan, a majority-Muslim republic bordering the Caspian Sea, has seen a spate of violent attacks in recent years, many linked to Islamist militant groups. In March 2024, Russian security forces reported killing four alleged Islamic State (ISIL) fighters in the region who were said to be planning an assault on a local Interior Ministry facility. The latest shooting comes just weeks after Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) claimed to have killed a man allegedly preparing bomb attacks on the Moscow metro and a Jewish site in the capital region. In June 2024, at least 20 people were killed in a coordinated assault on religious and police sites in Dagestan, one of the deadliest attacks in the region in recent memory. These incidents follow the devastating March 2024 massacre at Moscow's Crocus City Hall, where 133 people were killed. While the ISIL affiliate in Afghanistan, ISKP (Islamic State Khorasan Province), claimed responsibility, Moscow controversially suggested Ukrainian involvement—an assertion presented without supporting evidence. Despite the territorial defeat of ISIL in Iraq and Syria declared in 2019, offshoots such as ISKP continue to pose a threat, carrying out attacks across Central Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. Dagestan remains one of the regions most vulnerable to this renewed wave of extremism. Russian authorities have vowed to step up security measures as investigations continue into the Makhachkala assault. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the latest attack.
Express Tribune
02-05-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Diplomacy in overdrive to avert military escalation
Listen to article Amid seething tensions exasperated by angry rhetoric from the two nuclear-armed neighbours, Pakistan on Thursday went into a diplomatic overdrive in an attempt to prevent military escalation with India. In a flurry of diplomatic activity, the country's top leadership and diplomats in key Western capitals contacted leaders and envoys to brief them on fallacies in the Indian narrative about the Phalgam incident. The diplomatic push came a day after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke by telephone to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and urged them to work with each other to de-escalate tensions. With the stakes appearing to grow higher by the hour, Chinese ambassador Jiang Zaidong on Thursday called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at his office and emphasised that Beijing would always support Islamabad to achieve the common desire of both the countries to secure peace and stability in South Asia. Ambassador Jiang thanked the prime minister for sharing Pakistan's perspective on the emerging situation due to Indian baseless propaganda and unilateral action, according to a statement from the PM office. The prime minister conveyed his warm wishes to President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, and expressed Pakistan's sincere thanks to China for its strong and steadfast support to Pakistan in the prevailing situation. While recalling the recent telephone conversation between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, the premier thanked China for understanding Pakistan's principled position vis-à-vis India's actions since April 22, 2025. In particular, the prime minister thanked China for its endorsement of his offer for a credible, neutral and transparent international investigation into the Pahalgam incident. The prime minister said that Pakistan has always condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. As a frontline state in the war against terror, Pakistan has sacrificed over 90,000 lives, while suffering over $152 billion in economic losses in its effort to make the country, as well as the rest of the world, a safer place. He added that India's belligerent actions could distract Pakistan from its ongoing counter-terrorism efforts against ISKP, TTP and BLA, who were operating from inside Afghanistan. The prime minister said that India's decision to weaponise water was extremely regrettable especially as there was no provision for either party to walk away unilaterally from its commitments under the Indus Waters Treaty. He also underscored that peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute was the only way to ensure lasting peace in South Asia. The Chinese ambassador thanked the prime minister for sharing Pakistan's perspective and emphasized that China would always support Pakistan to achieve the common desire of both countries to secure peace and stability in South Asia. PM, Amir of Qatar Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had a telephone conversation with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani Thursday evening and discussed developments in South Asia. The prime minister thanked the Qatari emir's solidarity and support for Pakistan which reflected the deep-rooted brotherly ties between the two countries. He rejected India's attempts to link Pakistan with the Pahalgam incident without any proof and reiterated his offer for a credible, transparent and neutral international investigation into the incident. The prime minister expressed serious concerns over India's weaponisation of the waters of the Indus Basin, which he deemed as unacceptable, while emphasising that water was the lifeline of the 240 million people of Pakistan. Underscoring the hard-earned economic gains over the past one year, the prime minister stressed that Pakistan would gain no conceivable advantage by involving itself in any such incident at a time when it was on the path to economic stability. The Qatari emir appreciated Pakistan's efforts for peace in South Asia and said that Doha wanted to work with Islamabad towards ensuring de-escalation of the current crisis. Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar held a telephone conversation with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Slovenia Tanja Fajon and discussed matters of bilateral and regional interest. The DPM briefed her on the evolving regional situation, firmly rejecting India's baseless allegations and denounced unilateral actions, including holding the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance - a clear violation of international law. FM Fajon called on both countries to exercise restraint and resolve issues through diplomacy, in accordance with international law. She welcomed Pakistan's offer for an independent and transparent investigation. As non-permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening multilateral cooperation. They also reviewed bilateral relations, and agreed to further deepen ties across all sectors. Also, Dar apprised South Korea's Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul about the escalating regional situation arising from India's baseless propaganda and unilateral actions, including holding the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance. The deputy prime minsiter had held a telephone conversation with the Korean Foreign Minister, a DPM's Office news release said. Expressing concern over the situation, FM Cho underscored the importance of resolving issues through dialogue and diplomacy to maintain regional peace and security. FM Cho appreciated the successful co-hosting of the Third United Nations Peacekeeping Ministerial Preparatory Meeting, in Islamabad last month. They also agreed to further strengthening bilateral relations through high-level exchanges. Pak envoy to US Pakistan's Ambassador to the United States Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, has urged President Donald Trump to step in and help ease soaring tensions between India and Pakistan as the US leader simultaneously strives to solve conflicts in Europe and Middle East. "If we have a president who is standing for peace in the world as a pronounced objective during this administration, to establish a legacy as a peacemaker, or as someone who finished wars, defied wars and played a role in de-confliction, resolving the disputes, I don't think there is any higher or flashier flash point, particularly in nuclear terms, as Kashmir," Ambassador Sheikh said in an exclusive interview with Newsweek, a mass circulation American weekly magazine. "We are not talking about one or two countries in that neighbourhood who are nuclear capable. So, that is how grave it is." Ambassador Sheikh argued that the Trump administration would need to pursue a more comprehensive and sustained initiative than witnessed in past U.S. attempts to defuse crises that have erupted between the two countries. "So, I think with this threat that we are facing, there is a latent opportunity to address the situation by not just to focus on an immediate de-escalatory measure, or a de-escalatory approach," Sheikh said, "but to try and get this out of the way in a fashion that there is something more durable and lasting in terms of a durable solution of the Kashmir dispute rather than allowing the situation to stay precarious and pop up again and again at the next drop of a hat on this side or that side." Briefing to OIC's New York group Pakistan's Ambassador to the UN, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, has told OIC's New York Group of Ambassadors on Wednesday that India posed serious threats to regional peace and stability when he briefed them on the latest situation in South Asia. A press release issued by the Pakistan Mission to the UN said that Ambassador Asim called India's "behaviour highly provocative, politically motivated and irresponsible." The OIC members, it said, expressed their full support and solidarity with the government and people of Pakistan. They emphasized the need for de-escalation through diplomatic engagement and addressing the root causes of the India-Pakistan tensions so as to ensure a just settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in line with the UN Security Council and OIC resolutions.
