Pakistan’s foreign policy prioritises geopolitical goals, often at the expense of internal stability and security.
UNDISCLOSED LOCATION: Pakistan’s foreign policy has always appeared imbalanced, interventionist, and indifferent to internal needs. Shaped by a military mindset, these policies prioritise foreign affairs over domestic stability, leading to significant diplomatic challenges for the country. A hardline stance against India, interference in Afghanistan, and unbalanced relations with Iran have repeatedly created regional difficulties for Pakistan.
Similarly, decisions made under U.S. pressure—such as involvement in the Soviet-Afghan war and the alliance with the US in the so-called War on Terror— have caused long-term damage to Pakistan. Now, a dangerous shift is emerging in Pakistan’s policy: the state is facilitating the reactivation of proxy jihadist groups in Kashmir under official backing to serve its geopolitical objectives. According to available information, Pakistan has directed former jihadist organisations, such as Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, to resume operations in Kashmir.
Pakistan’s renewed use of these groups in Kashmir, as well as their employment as a proxy faction of ISIS in Afghanistan, appears to be both a consequence and continuation of its strategic failures.
Pakistan’s policymakers have fallen into a state of desperation, prompting them to revert to previously failed strategies.
Pakistan has long sought to maintain its influence in Afghanistan. However, the Islamic Emirate has adopted an independent policy, which includes improving ties with India. The growing closeness between the Taliban and India has become a matter of concern for Pakistan.
The Taliban have expanded their trade, diplomatic, and political relations with India, dealing a major blow to Pakistan. Islamabad does not want Afghanistan to foster close ties with India, as this would strengthen New Delhi’s influence in the region.
After India’s revocation of Kashmir’s special status, sustaining the Kashmiri resistance has become increasingly difficult for Pakistan. In these circumstances, Pakistan is once again turning to jihadist groups to continue the armed movement in Kashmir, aiming to pressure India and escalate instability in the region.
Pakistan is continuously facing diplomatic and economic pressures, along with accusations of supporting terrorism—now including alleged links to ISIS. In this situation, Islamabad seeks to reactivate groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed in Kashmir as a distraction from its internal failures and mounting global scrutiny.
Pakistan’s violent policies have had dangerous consequences in the past, and this time, their impact is likely to be even more severe. If Pakistan reverts to its previous strategies and reactivates jihadist groups in Kashmir, it will lead to an increase in violence and instability. Such state-sponsored terrorism poses a threat not only to India but to the peace and stability of the entire region.
Pakistan has long used ISIS as a proxy force in Afghanistan to pressure the Islamic Emirate and create chaos in the region. The growing activities of ISIS in Afghanistan pose a significant threat, but they will also further deteriorate relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Additionally, this will make it even clearer that Pakistan’s state apparatus is behind much of the region’s turmoil and corruption.
This is a serious threat that will deeply affect Pakistan-Afghanistan relations, further cementing Pakistan’s image as a state sponsor of terrorism on the global stage.
The role of the military and establishment in Pakistan’s foreign policy has always been dominant, with these policies often planned based on the financial and strategic interests of a specific group rather than national interests. Due to the establishment’s authoritarian mindset and war-based policies, Pakistan has remained embroiled in conflicts, jeopardising national security and pushing its economy into crisis.
Military rulers have consistently created conditions that prolong the atmosphere of conflict, whether through tensions with India, intervention in Afghanistan, or the so-called War on Terror at home. The greatest beneficiaries of this policy have always been the military leadership, as war conditions make it easier to increase defence budgets, receive international aid, and control national resources.
On the international stage, Pakistan’s establishment has occasionally maintained a state of conflict to secure aid and weapons from the US, China, and Gulf countries. Remaining aligned with Saudi Arabia in Middle Eastern politics or participating in proxy and mercenary wars to serve American interests forms a significant part of this policy. On the other hand, public sentiments are stirred under the banners of patriotism and national security, ensuring that few dare to question these policies.
* Ehsanullah Ehsan is a former spokesperson of Tehrik-e-Taliban.