Minister says security issues remain with India after federal official says interference has stopped

Escalating Tensions Between Nuclear Neighbors

In the shadow of recent deadly attacks and military posturing, a Pakistani minister has voiced persistent security worries regarding India, pushing back against assurances from a federal official that Indian interference in Pakistan's affairs has ended. This stark divergence in statements underscores the fragile state of relations between the two nations, both armed with nuclear capabilities. The minister's comments came during a weekly press briefing, where concerns about India's alleged support for terrorist groups operating in Pakistan were laid bare. These remarks highlight a deep-seated mistrust that continues to simmer despite diplomatic overtures or claims of de-escalation from other quarters. For ordinary citizens on both sides of the border, such rhetoric fuels anxiety over potential flare-ups along the Line of Control, where exchanges of fire have become alarmingly routine. The federal official's assertion that interference has stopped appears to clash directly with the minister's assessment, leaving observers to question the true trajectory of bilateral ties.

The backdrop to this latest verbal sparring includes a series of violent incidents that have ratcheted up hostilities. A militant attack in Indian-administered Kashmir killed dozens, prompting India to launch strikes deep into Pakistani territory under what it called Operation Sindoor. Pakistan vehemently denied involvement and accused India of aggression, while both countries have since traded threats, suspended trade, and restricted visas. Daily gunfire across the de facto border has persisted, with international powers like the United States and China urging restraint. Pakistan's leadership has reiterated its military readiness to counter any incursions, emphasizing robust defenses against perceived threats from Indian defense ties with other nations. These developments have revived fears of a broader conflict, reminiscent of past crises that brought the region to the brink.

Accusations of Terrorism and Proxy Support

At the heart of the minister's concerns lies India's purported role in backing groups like the Balochistan Liberation Army and others labeled as terrorists by Islamabad. The Pakistani spokesperson rejected recent statements from India's Ministry of External Affairs, viewing them as further proof of New Delhi's complicity in fomenting unrest within Pakistan. Concrete evidence of such sponsorship has been cited by Pakistani officials, who point to past acquittals of individuals linked to attacks on Pakistani soil as indicative of official indulgence. Meanwhile, India has cracked down on suspected militants in Kashmir, demolishing homes and arresting hundreds, measures Pakistan condemns as excessive. This quote captures the intensity of Pakistan's position, framing Indian actions not just as interference but as a direct threat to national security.

"We completely reject India's statement. In fact, the statement vindicates our stance that India continues to aid and abet terrorism in Pakistan through its support for BLA, the Fitna Al Hind and other terrorist organizations in the region. We possess concrete evidence of India's involvement in sponsoring and abetting terrorism," the spokesperson declared during the briefing.

Water disputes add another layer of friction, with Pakistan accusing India of weaponizing river flows from shared dams, disrupting agricultural cycles without notice. India, in turn, has threatened to suspend the longstanding Indus Waters Treaty unless Pakistan curbs cross-border terrorism. Such moves risk unraveling decades-old agreements meant to prevent resource-based conflicts. Drone incursions and missile tests by both sides have only amplified the sense of impending danger, prompting emergency consultations at global forums.

Broader Implications for Regional Stability

The minister's insistence on lingering security issues with India comes at a time when Pakistan faces multiple fronts of instability, including internal militant threats and border skirmishes elsewhere. Federal claims of halted interference may aim to calm domestic audiences or signal progress in counter-terrorism, but they ring hollow against the minister's warnings. Analysts note that India's strategic partnerships, including defense collaborations, are closely monitored by Islamabad as potential escalatory factors. Pakistan's military preparedness is described as comprehensive, designed to deter aggression and safeguard sovereignty. For the region, this impasse raises questions about de-escalation pathways, with calls for independent probes into attacks going unheeded amid finger-pointing.

Civilian life bears the brunt, from airspace closures stranding travelers to economic hits from halted trade. Religious minorities and border communities live under constant threat from sporadic violence. International mediation efforts have so far yielded little, as both nations prioritize national narratives over compromise. The disconnect between the federal official's optimism and the minister's caution illustrates the challenges in aligning internal messaging during crises.

In summary, the minister's statement reaffirms Pakistan's vigilance against Indian threats despite contrary federal assurances, rooted in ongoing accusations of terrorism support, border clashes, and resource disputes. This episode signals no immediate thaw in relations, with stability hanging in the balance.