Pakistan’s  Terrorism Sponsorship: A National Strategy or a Global Liability?

Sheikh Sameer

Since the creation of the Pakistan, attacks and killings became their norm. Within first two months of its creation, it began to wage war against Kashmir and India. Pakistani tribal army invaded Kashmir killed thousands of innocents from both from Muslim and non Muslim communities, raped thousands of young girls and women and destroyed property worth millions in Kashmir. This was their first attempt to terrorise the people of Jammu and Kashmir and India. Likewise, attacks and wars were initiated by Pakistan and ended up with destructions for both sides of the divide. The bigotry of the Pakistan that we have created a country and can do anything in the name of religion and power put it on stake. Today, Pakistan finds itself on the bankruptcy, high inflations and many sanctions. It is not the elite class or the Pakistani army who are suffering but the commoners are becoming its victims. It is said that a country thrives and progresses on strong foreign relations but Pakistan has always eroded it by sponsoring terrorism in India, Afghanistan and some other countries too. However, the buck did not stops here, it is said that you cannot keep a snake in the backyard and expect that it could not harm you. The entrenched roots of terrorism in Pakistan has inturn destroyed the Pakistan. The terrorist organizations like Tehreek I Taliban Pakistan (TTP) is in full scale war with its Government and establishments within the territory of Pakistan. The most contentious issues has been Pakistan’s a sponsorship of terrorism in India, particularly in the Kashmir region. This strategy has significant geopolitical, economic, and social ramifications for Pakistan, raising the question: Does the sponsorship of terrorism yield more gains or losses for Pakistan?

The roots of Pakistan’s sponsorship of terrorism can be traced back to the 1980s when it began supporting various insurgent groups in Kashmir. The support intensified during the 1990s with the rise of militant groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) has been providing training, funding, and logistical support to these groups. The objective was to bleed India through a “thousand cuts,” thereby weakening its control over Kashmir and diverting Indian military resources. This strategy became strong by the inception or religious radicalization in Kashmir. The concept of “Islam in Danger” gained a wide popularity in Kashmir and support for the terrorists in the valley.

 By supporting insurgency in Kashmir, Pakistan aims to keep the issue alive internationally and prevent India from gaining full control. Because, any attack, protest, demonstrations and violence in Kashmir became an evidence for Pakistan to show that people of Kashmir rejects the India. That is why Pakistan always used different funding channels to fuel unrest in the valley. Labeling the terrorists as Heroes, provoke the local vulnerable youths to pick up guns and arms against Indian establishments. By doing all this Pakistan wants to maintain pressure on India and ensures that Kashmir remains a point of contention in bilateral and international forums.

 The Kashmir issue and anti-India sentiment are potent tools for rallying domestic support. Political and military establishments in Pakistan have used the narrative of an existential threat from India to consolidate power and justify military expenditures. By creating the war like situation in Kashmir, Pakistan evades accountability and transparency. Pakistani does it to show the citizens that we are in holy with India and funds are diverted for it. However, it is just a justification to fool the people of Pakistan and the reality is that the lion’s share of funds goes into the accounts of either Pakistani political or top brass in the establishments. As per the citizens of Pakistan, if you want to become rich in Pakistan, join politics. And according to the reliable sources the data of the wealth of Pakistani politicians and top brass in establishments ran in multi millions and even in billions. We have learnt that some politicians became multi millionaires in just three to five years after attaining the power either in army or in politics.

Acts of terrorism in India, especially high-profile ones like the 2001 parliament attack, 2008 Mumbai attacks, Uri attack in 2016 and Pulwama, attack in 2019  draw international attention to the Kashmir issue. This can sometimes lead to international mediation efforts, which Pakistan hopes might favor its position. Not only it hopes for international but also shows provoke the other Muslim countries of the world that it is the holy and getting killed in these attacks is death with dignity. I recall the moment when attack on convoy in Pulwama later after few hours the founder of the proscribed Jaish-e- Mohammad terrorist organization Masood Azhar came with a video message on internet that one believer-one brave faithful boy has killed 40 army men. Azhar in his video message added, that the attacker Adil Dar has won his war of life and has returned to the true world.

Now after discussing the gains for the Pakistan let’s come to the losses. It is true that the house of the one who is a supporter of destruction and violence can never be built, so how can we think that Pakistan, which has given birth to violence and terrorism, can ever develop. Kashmir has suffered a lot of destruction till date, whether it is financial destruction or human destruction, but now it is Pakistan’s turn because today in every street of Pakistan, in every neighborhood, especially in Pakistani Occupied Kashmir.  News of violence, daily demonstrations and processions, people are coming out against the Pakistani authority, against the Pakistani government and protesting daily and somewhere due to rising inflation, rising prices and unemployment.  These people are on the streets, they are trying to find their jobs, they are raising slogans in favor of India, they really want us to be with India. This has became a lesson for Pakistan to introspect and the proverb As you sow so shall you reap fits here.

 Sponsoring terrorism has led to economic sanctions and diplomatic isolation. Because the funds that should be allocated for the welfare of the people are being diverted to finance violence and purchase deadly weapons. Furthermore, a significant portion of these funds is being used to create assets for the elites. Pakistan has not created resources for the generation of money and wealth to repay the loans availed and has has faced scrutiny from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), which placed it on the grey list for inadequate measures to curb terrorism financing. This has deterred foreign investment and strained the economy.

Being the sponsor of terrorism, Pakistan has severely impacted tourism and foreign investment. High-profile incidents like the 2008 Mumbai attacks and the 2014 Peshawar school massacre have led to numerous countries issuing travel advisories against visiting Pakistan. This has caused a sharp decline in tourism, affecting popular destinations such as the Swat Valley and the Karakoram Highway. The drop in tourist numbers has resulted in significant losses for the hospitality industry and local businesses, leading to job losses and reduced economic activity.

In terms of foreign investment, the ongoing threat of terrorism creates an environment of uncertainty and risk that deters potential investors. Major multinational corporations, like Samsung, have limited their operations in Pakistan, opting to focus on more stable and secure South Asian markets. Similarly, international banks and financial institutions have either reduced their presence or avoided the Pakistani market altogether.

The lack of foreign investment means fewer job opportunities, reduced technological advancement, and slower economic growth. Pakistan misses out on the benefits of globalization, such as improved infrastructure and access to international markets.

The policy of supporting militant groups has a boomerang effect, leading to domestic radicalization. For instance, groups initially supported for operations in India, like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), have often turned inwards, challenging the Pakistani state itself. This shift is exemplified by the rise of Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which has carried out numerous attacks within Pakistan.

The 2009 attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore the 2014 Peshawar school massacre, the attacks on the mosques during Friday paryers  are stark examples of how these militant groups have redirected their focus towards domestic targets. These incidents have significantly increased domestic terrorism, causing widespread fear and instability.

Furthermore, this radicalization has fueled sectarian violence, as seen in the attacks on Shia communities by Sunni extremist groups like Sipah-e-Sahaba. The resulting instability undermines Pakistan’s internal security and social cohesion, leading to a vicious cycle of violence and retaliation. The boomerang effect of supporting militant groups thus poses a grave threat to Pakistan’s own stability and security.

 Pakistan’s sponsorship of terrorism has led to a significant deterioration in its relationship with India. This strain is evident in the breakdown of diplomatic talks, increased border skirmishes, and heightened military alertness on both sides. The lack of dialogue impedes any potential for peaceful resolution of conflicts. It is not only with India but this has affected its relationships with key countries, particularly the United States, which has repeatedly pressured Pakistan to dismantle terrorist networks. The loss of international goodwill and support complicates Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts on other fronts.

China’s strategic alliance with Pakistan, including its significant investment in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), provides an economic buffer against international sanctions. This partnership aims to bolster Pakistan’s economy through infrastructure development and trade connectivity. However, China also exerts pressure on Pakistan to curb terrorism, as ongoing instability poses a threat to CPEC projects and regional stability. China’s insistence on enhanced security measures underscores its interest in safeguarding its investments and ensuring the smooth operation of this crucial economic initiative. This dual dynamic highlights the complexity of the China-Pakistan relationship in the context of terrorism and economic collaboration. Moreover, the fluctuating relationship between the US and Pakistan is heavily influenced by the latter’s stance on terrorism. While the US has provided substantial military and economic aid, it has also been highly critical of Pakistan’s terrorist affiliations, leading to periods of strained relations.

Prolonged exposure to violence and radical ideologies can severely erode the social fabric of a nation. This constant state of insecurity creates an environment of fear and mistrust among the population, leading to deep divisions within society. Communities become fragmented as suspicion and prejudice take root, undermining social cohesion. The overall quality of life deteriorates, as everyday activities are overshadowed by the threat of violence. Educational institutions, businesses, and social services suffer, contributing to a cycle of instability and poverty that is difficult to break. This societal breakdown ultimately hinders national development and progress.

Continued association with terrorism risks further international isolation for Pakistan. This can lead to exclusion from critical international economic and political initiatives, significantly limiting the country’s global influence and opportunities. For example, Pakistan’s placement on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list has already hindered its ability to attract foreign investment and secure international loans. Additionally, strained diplomatic relations with key global players reduce Pakistan’s participation in strategic alliances and trade agreements. This isolation hampers economic growth, technological advancement, and access to global markets, ultimately stunting Pakistan’s development and diminishing its role on the world stage.

The strategy of sponsoring terrorism in India presents a complex cost-benefit scenario for Pakistan. While it may offer short-term strategic gains and serve as a tool for asymmetric warfare, the long-term costs are significant. Economic sanctions, international isolation, domestic instability, and the human toll far outweigh the perceived benefits. A shift towards peaceful diplomacy, economic development, and internal security enhancement offers a more sustainable and beneficial path for Pakistan. The future of Pakistan lies in its ability to overcome the challenges of terrorism and embrace a strategy of peace and development, fostering stability and prosperity in the region. Overall, the constant threat of terrorism significantly damages Pakistan’s global image, discouraging tourism and foreign investment, and thereby limiting economic growth.