Ali Anwar
For several decades, Pakistan has been scorched by the flames of terrorism, sabotage, and foreign conspiracies. Multiple forces are plotting to destabilise our beloved homeland, but the most dangerous and organised conspiracy is being carried out by the India-backed menace of Fitna-e-Hindustan and the Khawarij groups. These groups disguise themselves under the garbs of religion, ethnicity, or nationalism, but in reality, they are agents of the enemy and representatives of terrorism.
These elements have long been involved in heinous activities such as suicide bombings, blasts, and targeted killings in Pakistan. Sometimes they operate under the name of religious extremism, playing with innocent lives, and sometimes they incite rebellion against the state under the slogan of separatism. Their real strength comes from foreign funding, weapons, and training, chiefly from India. In recent days, following the Pahalgam incident in Indian-occupied Kashmir, a new wave of terrorism has emerged in Pakistan.
Under a well-planned scheme, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan have been targeted. Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest province by area, has become the focal point of these terrorists. Certain disruptive elements, who claim to be heirs of tribal chieftains, have become partners in the enemy’s conspiracies while sitting abroad.
Receiving financial aid and arms from India, these elements are actively implementing an anti-national agenda. To fan ethnic tensions, they target innocent Punjabis-sometimes executing them in moving buses to showcase their barbarity.
A recent report by the Balochistan Home Department paints a highly alarming picture. In the past six months, 501 terrorist incidents were reported in the province, resulting in 257 innocent people being martyred and over 730 injured. Among the martyrs were 133 security personnel who laid down their lives in defence of the nation. A 45% increase in terrorist incidents and a 100% increase in settler-targeted killings have been recorded. Particularly horrifying was the attack near Zhob on two passenger buses. Passengers were identified via their ID cards and murdered solely because they were Punjabi. This incident is a terrifying new precedent in the Pashtun belt-an area generally known for its peaceful people. Before this, the Jaffar Express was also attacked, highlighting the grave nature of these conspiracies. Baloch separatist organisations like the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) and the Baloch Liberation Front (BLF) were found to be involved in these acts. These organisations enjoy Indian backing, and some of their global connections have even been flagged by international institutions. India, which has often pretended to champion human rights in Balochistan, is itself fueling bloodshed there.
The arrest of Kulbhushan Jadhav, a serving officer in the Indian Navy, is irrefutable proof of India’s organised support for terrorism in Pakistan. The enemy’s proxies are not limited to nationalist groups. The Khawarij, cloaked in religion, are also part of this conspiracy. Groups like ISIS, Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and other extremist factions are working on a specific ideological agenda to spread sectarian unrest. These groups have historically used Afghan soil, and India has been their financial and strategic supporter.
Despite these grave challenges, Pakistan’s armed forces, Rangers, police, and intelligence agencies continue to make sacrifices to protect the nation from these evils. The long list of martyrs is etched in the nation’s memory. But to fully transform these sacrifices into success, it is essential to expose the facilitators of these elements, whether they are within or outside the country.
Although some necessary measures are being taken, stricter implementation is crucial to completely eradicate this menace. Particularly in sensitive areas, modern surveillance and intelligence systems need enhancement to capture these troublemakers. Secondly, the entire nation must adopt a clear and strong narrative: terrorists, regardless of their ethnic, national, or religious labels, are mere agents of the enemy. Leniency toward them must end. Individuals and institutions that provide financial, political, or social media platforms to anti-state elements are equally guilty and must face legal consequences. Moreover, Pakistan must continuously present evidence of India’s state-sponsored terrorism on diplomatic fronts to the international community.
Today, Fitna-e-Hindustan and the Khawarij have become the biggest threats to Pakistan’s security. To defeat their evil designs, we need national unity, vigilance, and a strong defensive and diplomatic strategy. Pakistan is a great nation that has always thwarted the enemy’s conspiracies-and, God willing, it will succeed again. But this success demands more than just the sacrifices of the armed forces; it also requires public awareness, political stability, and a unified national narrative.
The writer is an old Aitchisonian who believes in freedom of expression, a freelance columnist, entrepreneur and social activist.
