Praagya Singh

“He who strikes terror into others is himself in continual fear.” Claudian

Recently, a vehicle-borne suicide bomber targeted a convoy of India’s Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel, leading to the loss of 40 lives. The attack took place on 14th February, 2019, in the Pulwama district of Jammu & Kashmir in India. Just a day before the Pulwama attack, Iran lost 27 of its security personnel when a vehicle filled with explosives blew up beside their bus on the road between the cities of Khash and Zahedan. Both of these attacks were similar to each other, and even to an attack that took place in Afghanistan a few weeks earlier, leading to the loss of more 100 security personnel.

“Why does Pakistan’s army and security body give refuge to these anti-revolutionary groups? Pakistan will no doubt pay a high price,” he said on state TV. Further, Iran’s president warned Pakistan to not let “terrorists abuse their territory”

In India, the suicide attack was claimed by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed, a terrorist organisation which has staged several dastardly attacks against India.i In Iran, Jaish al-Adl (Army of Justice) claimed the attack. Both these terrorist organisations are backed by Pakistan, which has given these organisations a region to proliferate their ideas. In Afghanistan, a Pakistani terrorist organization was involved as well. ii After the attacks, India and Iran produced strong reactions against them, and vowed to end terrorism. India revoked the status of ‘Most Favoured Nation’ to Pakistan and further, mobilised the world community to isolate Islamabad. In Iran, Revolutionary Guards chief Major General Mohammad Ali Jafari issued a strong warning. “Why does Pakistan’s army and security body give refuge to these anti- revolutionary groups? Pakistan will no doubt pay a high price,” he said on state TV. Further, Iran’s president warned Pakistan to not let “terrorists abuse their territory.” In Afghanistan, tensions are equally high with Kabul lodging a complaint with the United Nations Security Council against Pakistan due to its alleged patronage with the Taliban. The Government of Pakistan had invited the Taliban for talks along with the United States. Afghanistan has been suffering from terrorism and violence for a long time now, which is allegedly sponsored by Pakistan to fulfil its interests. In the past, Afghanistan has also raised questions against Pakistan’s support to terror in the region and asked Islamabad to stop providing a safe haven to terrorists.iii A number of terror attacks in Afghanistan have been linked to terror outfits based in Pakistan. In a letter dated 15 February, Chargé d’affaires of Afghan Mission Nazifullah Salarzai wrote to President of the UN Security Council about Islamabad bypassing Kabul in its dealing with Taliban. He wrote:

“These engagements, which are taking place under the pretext of support for peace efforts in Afghanistan, are void of any degree of coordination and consultation with the Government of Afghanistan. The decision is deeply regrettable as it seeks to recognise and legitimise an armed group (Taliban) that poses a security and stability threat to Afghanistan”

Further, Afghanistan invited Pakistan’s Ambassador to Afghanistan after recent terror attacks. In a statement issued after the meeting with Pakistani ambassador Zahid Nasrullah, the AfghanForeign Ministry said that both, the terror attack and the peace process, are contradictory with the commitments of Pakistan.iv The Afghan government has called for action against Pakistan on its commitments.

After the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, India has been trying to get the UNSC to ban terrorist organisations like JeM, based in Bhawalpur, Pakistan but these efforts have been repeatedly scuttled by China’s veto. India’s aggressive response in the form of air strikes indicates a dramatic change in India’s traditional doctrine of “strategic restraint” in the face of such prior attacks. New Delhi has lobbied hard to diplomatically isolate Pakistan. It’s imperative for this century to be truly an Asian century and Asian countries have gathered together to fight terrorism without depending on western powers. Without any effective regional organisation in place, South Asia has to find alternatives to work together. South- South cooperation is envisaged for better future of the global south; however, witnessing such situations makes it harder to work practically. With three neighbours on three sides enraged with Pakistan’s ways, the country’s isolation is a process on the fast-track. While Pakistan continues to rely on so- called allies (China and Saudi Arabia) to resurrect its economy, experts doubt how offending neighbours beyond measure can be good for a country – whether in terms of economy or otherwise.

1. Three-pronged attack on Pakistan: India, Iran and Afghanistan pile on pressure, February 18’2019, Zee news. https://zeenews.india.com/world/three-pronged-attack-on-pakistan-india-iran-and-afghanistan-pile-on-pressure-2181188.html
2. After Iran, Afghanistan corners Pakistan over terror dealings, February 18’2019, Timesnownews. https://www.timesnownews.com/international/article/after-iran-afghanistan-corners-pakistan-over-terror-dealings/367536
3. Siddhant Sibbal, Iran summons Pakistan envoy; Afghanistan goes to UNSC against Islamabad, February 19’ 2019, Zee news. https://zeenews.india.com/india/iran-summons-pakistan-envoy-afghanistan-goes-to-unsc-against-islamabad-2181116.html
4. Ramesh Mishra, Afghanistan government showed the reality to Pakistan, February 21’ 2019, Jagran. https://www.jagran.com/world/other-afghanistan-rebukes-pakistan-ambassador-in-ripple-effect-from-kashmir-attack-18973443.html