Unfair blame

The Foreign Office of Pakistan has rightly rejected the accusations in the Indo-US joint statement as “one-sided, misleading, and contrary to diplomatic norms”. Given our history, it is essential to take a step back and view the situation through a broader lens. Pakistan has suffered extensively from terrorist attacks, many of which have been linked to groups operating from across its borders. Which is why, in this latest US-India diplomatic debacle, the accusations against Pakistan can only be called unfair and unwarranted. To suggest that Pakistan is the perpetrator, without acknowledging the very real history of terrorism within its own borders, not only overlooks the suffering of its citizens but also distorts the complex geopolitical realities of the region. Pakistan has been a victim of terrorism for years, an undeniable fact that both India and the US know well. For decades, Pakistani soil has borne the scars of deadly attacks, from the assassination of political leaders to bombings and killings that have shattered communities.

The fact also is that Pakistan has repeatedly raised concerns about India’s interference in Balochistan and its support for Baloch militants – an accusation that continues to be ignored by many in the international community. These claims are not new, and Pakistan’s position on the matter is grounded in concrete evidence. India has long been accused of stoking unrest in Balochistan, with reports of providing funding and training to separatist groups in the region. These are not baseless claims but part of a broader regional strategy. And the US, while having praised Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts in the past, has many a time been far too quick to jump on the bandwagon of blaming Pakistan for the actions of groups it has no control over. The US-India joint statement does refer to the recent approval of the extradition of Pakistani-origin businessman Tahawwur Rana, one of the alleged masterminds behind the Mumbai attacks. How that somehow means Pakistan is indulging in terror is beyond logic. While the global fight against terrorism is a shared responsibility, it is essential to recognise that Pakistan’s efforts in combating terrorism have been both vigorous and costly. From military operations to intelligence cooperation with international agencies, Pakistan has continuously sought to dismantle terror networks within its borders. Yet, this cooperation is rarely acknowledged in these joint statements. Instead, Pakistan finds itself being called upon to bring those responsible for the Mumbai attacks to justice, while the broader regional dynamics that have perpetuated instability remain conveniently overlooked. The failure to hold India accountable for its actions – such as the human rights violations in Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, or its role in fostering unrest in neighbouring countries – is a glaring omission.

The US’s strategic shift towards India in its defence policy has also been a matter of concern for some time – especially since India has been set up as a buffer against China. While India is entitled to pursue its defense interests, the transfer of sophisticated technology to it leads to legitimate concerns in Pakistan. What we need instead of such careless statements is a way forward in peace and diplomacy and conflict-resolution. End the occupation of Kashmir. Move forward with trade. Make friends with neighbours. Modi’s India is already seen as a country that thrives on hate. Why not change course? As for the international community, it could also try and adopt a more balanced approach, one that respects Pakistan’s sacrifices and recognises its efforts to combat terrorism.