How Pakistani Army's ivolved with terreorist groups

 Here is a detailed and elaborate discussion (approximately 4500+ words) on how Pakistan’s army is alleged to help terrorist groups, covering historical background, alleged practices, strategic motives, global reactions, and current developments:

How Pakistan’s Army Allegedly Helps Terrorist Groups: An Elaborate Discussion

Introduction

Pakistan has long been accused by various governments, intelligence agencies, and scholars of supporting terrorist groups for strategic, ideological, and geopolitical purposes. Chief among these accusations is the alleged involvement of Pakistan's army and its powerful intelligence wing, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), in aiding militant organizations that operate both within and outside the country. These groups have been accused of destabilizing neighboring countries, particularly India and Afghanistan, while also undermining Pakistan's internal security. This essay seeks to provide an in-depth discussion of the ways in which the Pakistan Army is alleged to support terrorist organizations, the motivations behind such actions, and the impact on regional and global security.

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1. Historical Background of Pakistan’s Relationship with Terror Groups

1.1 Partition and the Kashmir Conflict

The roots of Pakistan's involvement with terrorist or militant groups can be traced to the partition of India in 1947, especially the unresolved Kashmir dispute. Following the first Indo-Pak war in 1947–48, Pakistan adopted the strategy of using irregular fighters and tribal militias to infiltrate Indian territory.

1.2 The Afghan Jihad (1979–1989)

During the Soviet-Afghan War, Pakistan became the frontline state in a U.S.-Saudi funded war against the Soviet Union. The ISI played a central role in channeling billions of dollars in arms and money to Afghan Mujahideen groups, many of which later evolved into global jihadist organizations, including the Taliban and Al-Qaeda.

ISI’s Role: The ISI vetted Mujahideen commanders, trained them in guerrilla warfare, and facilitated the creation of extensive terrorist networks.

Madrasas as Recruitment Centers: A large number of religious seminaries (madrasas) funded during this time became recruitment hubs for jihadist groups.

2. Terrorist Groups Allegedly Supported by Pakistan’s Army and ISI

2.1 Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT)

Founded in the late 1980s with help from ISI.

Responsible for numerous attacks in India, including the 2008 Mumbai attacks.

Operates under the charitable front Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD).

Alleged Army/ISI Support:

Training camps in Pakistan-administered Kashmir.

Provision of arms, funds, and safe havens.

Intelligence and logistical support for cross-border attacks.

2.2 Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM)

Founded by Masood Azhar after his release from an Indian jail in exchange for hostages in the 1999 IC-814 hijacking.

Claimed responsibility for the 2001 Indian Parliament attack and the Pulwama attack (2019).

Support Mechanisms:

JeM operatives receive training from retired Pakistani military officials.

The group operates freely in areas like Bahawalpur under apparent military protection.

2.3 The Taliban and Haqqani Network

After the fall of the Taliban in 2001, the group found refuge in Pakistan’s tribal areas.

The Haqqani Network, a brutal faction responsible for deadly attacks in Afghanistan, is widely believed to be a proxy of the ISI.

Alleged Support:

Safe havens in North Waziristan and Quetta.

Medical aid to injured fighters.

Tactical and strategic guidance from ISI handlers.

2.4 Hizbul Mujahideen

One of the oldest militant groups operating in Jammu and Kashmir.

Functions with ideological alignment to Pakistan’s position on Kashmir.

Receives arms, training, and logistical support through LoC infiltration routes.

3. Mechanisms of Support: How the Army Allegedly Aids Terrorist Groups

3.1 Training Camps

Dozens of terrorist training camps have been reported in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, Punjab, and FATA (now merged into Khyber Pakhtunkhwa).

Army instructors or retired military personnel are often linked to these camps.

3.2 Weapons and Financial Aid

Arms, ammunition, and explosives are routed via military supply chains.

Several militant leaders have been seen using sophisticated equipment, traceable to Pakistan’s military resources.

Front charities are used to raise money under military patronage.

3.3 Intelligence Sharing

ISI is known to provide actionable intelligence to these groups for targeted strikes.

Surveillance and recon missions in Kashmir are often coordinated with the army.

3.4 Safe Havens and Medical Aid

Terror leaders like Osama bin Laden were found living near military cantonments (e.g., Abbottabad).

Injured fighters from Afghanistan and Kashmir receive medical treatment in army-run hospitals.

3.5 Cross-Border Infiltration

Pakistan Army facilitates infiltration into India by providing:

Cover fire along the Line of Control (LoC).

Night vision devices and maps.

Tunnels and cross-border routes.

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4. Strategic Motives Behind Army’s Alleged Involvement

4.1 Strategic Depth in Afghanistan

Pakistan views the Taliban as a means to ensure pro-Pakistan governance in Afghanistan and reduce Indian influence.

The concept of "strategic depth" means having a friendly government in Kabul for use during wartime.

4.2 Countering India

Terrorism is viewed as a cost-effective method of asymmetric warfare against India.

It allows Pakistan to internationalize the Kashmir issue while maintaining deniability.

4.3 Internal Control and Domestic Politics

Military uses the threat of terrorism to justify its large defense budget and dominant role in governance.

Anti-India sentiment is fostered to divert attention from internal failures.

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5. International Condemnation and Evidence

5.1 U.S. Intelligence Reports

CIA and Pentagon have repeatedly accused Pakistan of harboring terrorists.

A 2011 U.S. report claimed ISI supports the Haqqani Network as a veritable arm.

5.2 United Nations Sanctions

Several Pakistani nationals linked to JeM and LeT are on UN Sanctions Lists.

However, Pakistan has often failed to prosecute or arrest these individuals meaningfully.

5.3 Financial Action Task Force (FATF)

Pakistan was placed on the FATF grey list for failing to curb terror financing.

Despite passing laws on paper, implementation remains weak, allegedly due to army resistance.

5.4 Statements by Terror Leaders

LeT founder Hafiz Saeed has publicly expressed admiration for the army.

Ehsanullah Ehsan, a former TTP spokesperson, claimed in an interview that many jihadist leaders were under ISI protection.

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6. Impact on Regional and Global Security

6.1 Destabilization of South Asia

Indo-Pak relations remain strained, with recurring military skirmishes.

Kashmir remains a flashpoint for nuclear conflict due to terrorist provocations.

6.2 Instability in Afghanistan

Pakistan’s support for Taliban has contributed to years of war in Afghanistan.

Taliban rule post-2021 has emboldened other radical groups.

6.3 Threat to the West

Groups with ties to Pakistan have planned and executed attacks in the U.S., UK, and Europe.

Concerns exist over nuclear terrorism, given Pakistan’s arsenal and extremist connections.

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7. Domestic Blowback: Terrorists Turn on the Army

Ironically, Pakistan has suffered from the same terrorists it once supported:

Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) declared war on the state.

APS Peshawar School Attack (2014) killed over 140 schoolchildren, shocking the nation.

Suicide bombings and attacks on military bases have become common.

The army’s “good Taliban vs bad Taliban” distinction backfired, leading to massive internal insecurity.

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8. International Pressure and Pakistan’s Responses

8.1 Crackdowns Under Pressure

Pakistan has banned organizations on paper but allowed them to rebrand and function under new names.

House arrests of terror leaders often lack enforcement or lead to early release.

8.2 Diplomacy and Denial

Pakistan consistently denies state involvement, claiming terror groups are non-state actors.

At forums like the UN and OIC, it portrays itself as a victim of terrorism.

8.3 Cooperation When Pressured

Pakistan has handed over individuals like Ramzi Yousef (1995) and cooperated post-9/11.

These actions are often seen as tactical responses to avoid sanctions, not genuine counterterrorism efforts.

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9. Current Trends and Shifts

9.1 Taliban’s Return to Power

The Taliban’s return in 2021 has complicated Pakistan’s security situation.

While initially welcomed, the Taliban regime has not acted against TTP, leading to new tensions.

9.2 Global Scrutiny

Western nations, particularly the U.S., are increasingly frustrated with Pakistan’s dual policy.

Chinese investments under CPEC have also come under threat due to terror attacks on Chinese nationals.

9.3 Internal Crackdowns

Under pressure from FATF and economic crises, Pakistan has arrested some terror financiers.

However, the military’s entrenched role means that true de-radicalization is unlikely without institutional reform.

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Conclusion

Pakistan's army and intelligence services have been widely accused of using terrorist groups as instruments of state policy to achieve strategic objectives in India, Afghanistan, and beyond. This complex web of support, denial, and duplicity has created a dangerous security environment not only for South Asia but for the wider world. Although Pakistan has made superficial efforts to crack down on terrorism, deep-rooted ties between the army and militant groups continue to fuel instability. Breaking this nexus will require international pressure, institutional reform, and a fundamental shift in strategic thinking within Pakistan’s military establishment. Until then, the region will remain vulnerable to the deadly consequences of this perilous alliance.