Pakistan's renewed strategy: Using jihadist groups in Kashmir amid growing Delhi-Kabul ties

Pakistan's foreign policy prioritises geopolitical goals, often at the expense of internal stability and security.

- EHSANULLAH EHSAN

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 U.S. 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.