The Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), in a interview with Al Jazeera yesterday, presented widespread state-sponsored terrorism targeting Pakistan by India. The interview provided detailed allegations, including specific names, operational details, and purported evidence linking India’s intelligence agency, RAW, to violent insurgencies, particularly in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) provinces.
The DG ISPR directly implicated India in a range of terrorist activities, citing the Waziristan bombing that martyred 16 Pakistani soldiers as an example of Indian support for insurgent groups. He further added that India has a long history of such involvement, referencing its support for the Mukti Bahini during the 1971 war in East Pakistan. The interview also claimed that the United States and Canada have acknowledged India’s role in these activities.
The accusations included detailed allegations against specific individuals. Ashok Kumar Anat was named as a RAW handler facilitating terrorist operations. The ISPR also highlighted the role of Sarfraz Bangalzai, allegedly funding 70 terrorists and exploiting Baloch women for subversive activities. The interview further stated that Malik Fredun, currently receiving treatment in an Indian hospital, is also implicated.
The interview presented evidence suggesting close ties between Indian intelligence and various militant groups. A May 11 press release from the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), pledging support for India in any action against Pakistan, was cited by DG as well. Furthermore, the DG ISPR highlighted a statement by BLA spokesperson Bahot Baloch, claiming responsibility for attacks in Khuzdar and on the Jaffar Express, made on an Indian television channel. Mufti Noor Wali was also named as receiving support and guidance from the Indian state for terrorist activities within Pakistan.
The DG ISPR presented staggering statistics, claiming that since January 2024, 5,436 terrorist incidents sponsored by India have been recorded, resulting in the neutralization of 1,987 terrorists by Pakistani security forces. The interview concluded by naming India’s National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval, as the alleged chief architect behind the campaign of terrorism and transnational targeted killings against Pakistan. The term “Fitna al-Hindustan” (the discord of Hindustan) was used to describe Indian-backed terrorists.
India has yet to respond to these serious allegations. The interview has sparked international concern and is likely to further escalate tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.