New Delhi: A fresh U.S. Congressional Research Service (CRS) report has highlighted that Pakistan remains a persistent hub for terrorist groups. For India, the report carries a familiar and troubling message -groups long focused on India, particularly the union territory of Jammu &amp; Kashmir, continue to operate from Pakistani soil with apparent impunity.The March 25, 2026, CRS "In Focus" brief details 15 outfits, many designated as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTO) by the US. The report points to enduring threats from "India- and Kashmir-oriented terror groups" such as Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), Harakat-ul Jihad Islami (HUJI), Harakat ul-Mujahidin (HuM), and Hizbul Mujahideen (HM).Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-fake-news-will-say-trump-rebrands-hormuz-the-strait-of-trump-was-it-a-slip-of-tongue-or-deliberate-watch-1774667533281">Trump rebrands Hormuz 'Strait of Trump': A slip of tongue or a hidden message?</a>LeT, formed in the late 1980s and designated an FTO in 2001, remains based in Pakistan's Punjab and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Report says, "led by now incarcerated Hafiz Saeed", it "has changed its name to Jamaat-ud-Dawa to circumvent sanctions". With "several thousand fighters", LeT orchestrated the 2008 Mumbai attacks that killed 166 people.JeM, founded in 2000 by Masood Azhar and also designated in 2001, joined LeT in the 2001 Indian Parliament attack. It says JEM's roughly 500 armed supporters THAT operate in India, Afghanistan, and Pakistan while seeking "annexation" of Indian union territory of J&amp;K into Pakistan. It also says, "JEM has openly declared war on the United States." &nbsp;The report notes these groups operate alongside globally oriented outfits like Al Qaeda and its Indian Subcontinent affiliate (AQIS)."Several major military offensives, including airstrikes, and hundreds of thousands of 'intelligence-based operations' have failed to defeat the numerous U.S.- and United Nations-designated terrorist groups that continue to operate on Pakistani soil," the CRS states. A 2014 National Action Plan aimed to eliminate armed terror groups and militias, yet the groups persist.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kp-sharma-oli-arrested-nepal-s-former-pm-home-minister-detained-over-gen-z-protest-september-massacre-1774663378412">Nepal former PM KP Oli arrested over Gen Z protest 'September massacre'</a>Pakistan took "some steps to curtail" terrorist activities in 2023, per the US State Department, but madrassas continue teaching doctrines that "could lead to greater acceptance of violent extremist ideology." For India, the implications are stark. Kashmir-focused groups like Hizbul Mujahideen, formed in 1989, designated as a terror group by the US in 2017 has a cadre of 1500 who seek "independence for Kashmir or annexation of UT of J&amp;K into Pakistan."The CRS report, prepared by South Asia specialist K. Alan Kronstadt, paints Pakistan as both victim and enabler. While Islamabad battles a domestic surge in violence, with separatism in restive Baluchistan province, and a deteriorating situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, it continues to host terror networks that have long targeted India.The report divides terror and other groups operating in Pakistan into five broad, often overlapping categories: globally oriented, Afghanistan-oriented, India- and Kashmir-focused, domestically oriented, and sectarian (anti-Shia). Pakistan's inability, or unwillingness, to fully dismantle these outfits keeps tensions high with its neighbours. India maintains that addressing cross-border terrorism remains essential for lasting peace, a stance reinforced by the latest American assessment of persistent terror infrastructure on Pakistani territory.

"Several major military offensives, including airstrikes, and hundreds of thousands of 'intelligence-based operations' have failed to defeat the numerous U.S.- and United Nations-designated terrorist groups that continue to operate on Pakistani soil," the CRS states.

New Delhi: A fresh U.S. Congressional Research Service (CRS) report has highlighted that Pakistan remains a persistent hub for terrorist groups. For India, the report carries a familiar and troubling message -groups long focused on India, particularly the union territory of Jammu & Kashmir, continue to operate from Pakistani soil with apparent impunity. The March 25, 2026, CRS "In Focus" brief details 15 outfits, many designated as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTO) by the US. The report points to enduring threats from "India- and Kashmir-oriented terror groups" such as Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), Harakat-ul Jihad Islami (HUJI), Harakat ul-Mujahidin (HuM), and Hizbul Mujahideen (HM). Also read | Trump rebrands Hormuz 'Strait of Trump': A slip of tongue or a hidden message? LeT, formed in the late 1980s and designated an FTO in 2001, remains based in Pakistan's Punjab and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Report says, "led by now incarcerated Hafiz Saeed", it "has changed its name to Jamaat-ud-Dawa to circumvent sanctions". With "several thousand fighters", LeT orchestrated the 2008 Mumbai attacks that killed 166 people. JeM, founded in 2000 by Masood Azhar and also designated in 2001, joined LeT in the 2001 Indian Parliament attack. It says JEM's roughly 500 armed supporters THAT operate in India, Afghanistan, and Pakistan while seeking "annexation" of Indian union territory of J&K into Pakistan. It also says, "JEM has openly declared war on the United States." The report notes these groups operate alongside globally oriented outfits like Al Qaeda and its Indian Subcontinent affiliate (AQIS). "Several major military offensives, including airstrikes, and hundreds of thousands of 'intelligence-based operations' have failed to defeat the numerous U.S.- and United Nations-designated terrorist groups that continue to operate on Pakistani soil," the CRS states. A 2014 National Action Plan aimed to eliminate armed terror groups and militias, yet the groups persist. Also read | Nepal former PM KP Oli arrested over Gen Z protest 'September massacre' Pakistan took "some steps to curtail" terrorist activities in 2023, per the US State Department, but madrassas continue teaching doctrines that "could lead to greater acceptance of violent extremist ideology." For India, the implications are stark. Kashmir-focused groups like Hizbul Mujahideen, formed in 1989, designated as a terror group by the US in 2017 has a cadre of 1500 who seek "independence for Kashmir or annexation of UT of J&K into Pakistan." The CRS report, prepared by South Asia specialist K. Alan Kronstadt, paints Pakistan as both victim and enabler. While Islamabad battles a domestic surge in violence, with separatism in restive Baluchistan province, and a deteriorating situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, it continues to host terror networks that have long targeted India. The report divides terror and other groups operating in Pakistan into five broad, often overlapping categories: globally oriented, Afghanistan-oriented, India- and Kashmir-focused, domestically oriented, and sectarian (anti-Shia). Pakistan's inability, or unwillingness, to fully dismantle these outfits keeps tensions high with its neighbours. India maintains that addressing cross-border terrorism remains essential for lasting peace, a stance reinforced by the latest American assessment of persistent terror infrastructure on Pakistani territory.

"Several major military offensives, including airstrikes, and hundreds of thousands of 'intelligence-based operations' have failed to defeat the numerous U.S.- and United Nations-designated terrorist groups that continue to operate on Pakistani soil," the CRS states.

Pakistan continues to harbour terror groups against India, warns US Congressional report

Former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, standing alongside then Pakistani Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar in 2011, in one of her most famous diplomatic rebukes in recent history, said: “It's like that old story—you can't keep snakes in your backyard and expect them only to bite your neighbours. Eventually, those snakes are going to turn on whoever has them in the backyard.”&nbsp;Clinton used the analogy to warn Pakistan about its policy of supporting or tolerating militant groups. Her warning appears to have come true in 2026, as the Global Terrorism Index (GTI) 2026 has placed Pakistan at the top, making it the world's most terror-affected country in 2025, with 1,139 deaths, 1,045 attacks, 1,595 people injured, and 655 hostages.&nbsp;Pakistan has recorded the highest score on the index at 8.574, marking its deadliest year since 2013. The country has now witnessed six consecutive years of rising terrorism-related deaths. Notably, it stands out as the only nation in South Asia where the security situation deteriorated in 2025, while all other countries in the region recorded improvement.&nbsp;The bulk of the violence was concentrated in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, two provinces long marked by political discontent with Islamabad. Together, they accounted for 74 per cent of total attacks and 67 per cent of terrorism-related deaths.&nbsp;Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) remained the most active militant group during the year. It carried out 595 attacks in 2025, resulting in 637 deaths, amounting to 56 per cent of all terror-related fatalities in the country.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-shipping-lanes-must-remain-open-pm-modi-speaks-to-iran-president-condemns-attacks-on-critical-infrastructure-1774094866006">‘Shipping lanes must remain open’: PM Modi speaks to Iran president, condemns attacks on critical infrastructure</a>&nbsp;The nature of violence also intensified. Targeted killings surged by 450 per cent, and police casualties increased significantly. The TTP has expanded its operational capabilities, including the use of drones. An estimated 6,000 to 6,500 TTP fighters are believed to be operating from bases in Afghanistan, using the territory to launch cross-border attacks. Around 85 per cent of these strikes occurred within 10 to 50 kilometres of the Afghan border.&nbsp;In one of the most significant incidents of the year, the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) hijacked a passenger train in March 2025, taking 442 people hostage, making it the largest single terrorist attack recorded globally in the Global Terrorism Index (GTI) 2025 report. The group’s strategy has shifted from a separatist insurgency to what the report describes as anti-state terrorism, with a growing focus on targeting Chinese nationals and infrastructure linked to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), in addition to Pakistani security forces.&nbsp;Despite facing terrorism as the biggest challenge to national security, Pakistan continues to harbour radical elements against its neighbours, especially India. Recent terror incidents in India, including in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, can be traced back to Pakistan.&nbsp;Islamabad has also followed a pattern of externalising its problems by accusing India and Afghanistan of supporting terrorist activities inside Pakistan, a claim both countries have consistently rejected.&nbsp;Pakistan declared an “open war” against Afghanistan in February over terror-related accusations after blaming Kabul for assisting terrorists behind the Islamabad mosque bombing on February 6 and high-casualty attacks on military checkpoints in Bajaur and Bannu in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province of northwestern Pakistan in mid-February.

The Global Terrorism Index (GTI) 2026 has placed Pakistan at the top, making it the world's most terror-affected country in 2025, with 1,139 deaths, 1,045 attacks, 1,595 people injured, and 655 hostages.

Former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, standing alongside then Pakistani Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar in 2011, in one of her most famous diplomatic rebukes in recent history, said: “It's like that old story—you can't keep snakes in your backyard and expect them only to bite your neighbours. Eventually, those snakes are going to turn on whoever has them in the backyard.” Clinton used the analogy to warn Pakistan about its policy of supporting or tolerating militant groups. Her warning appears to have come true in 2026, as the Global Terrorism Index (GTI) 2026 has placed Pakistan at the top, making it the world's most terror-affected country in 2025, with 1,139 deaths, 1,045 attacks, 1,595 people injured, and 655 hostages. Pakistan has recorded the highest score on the index at 8.574, marking its deadliest year since 2013. The country has now witnessed six consecutive years of rising terrorism-related deaths. Notably, it stands out as the only nation in South Asia where the security situation deteriorated in 2025, while all other countries in the region recorded improvement. The bulk of the violence was concentrated in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, two provinces long marked by political discontent with Islamabad. Together, they accounted for 74 per cent of total attacks and 67 per cent of terrorism-related deaths. Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) remained the most active militant group during the year. It carried out 595 attacks in 2025, resulting in 637 deaths, amounting to 56 per cent of all terror-related fatalities in the country. Also Read: ‘Shipping lanes must remain open’: PM Modi speaks to Iran president, condemns attacks on critical infrastructure The nature of violence also intensified. Targeted killings surged by 450 per cent, and police casualties increased significantly. The TTP has expanded its operational capabilities, including the use of drones. An estimated 6,000 to 6,500 TTP fighters are believed to be operating from bases in Afghanistan, using the territory to launch cross-border attacks. Around 85 per cent of these strikes occurred within 10 to 50 kilometres of the Afghan border. In one of the most significant incidents of the year, the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) hijacked a passenger train in March 2025, taking 442 people hostage, making it the largest single terrorist attack recorded globally in the Global Terrorism Index (GTI) 2025 report. The group’s strategy has shifted from a separatist insurgency to what the report describes as anti-state terrorism, with a growing focus on targeting Chinese nationals and infrastructure linked to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), in addition to Pakistani security forces. Despite facing terrorism as the biggest challenge to national security, Pakistan continues to harbour radical elements against its neighbours, especially India. Recent terror incidents in India, including in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, can be traced back to Pakistan. Islamabad has also followed a pattern of externalising its problems by accusing India and Afghanistan of supporting terrorist activities inside Pakistan, a claim both countries have consistently rejected. Pakistan declared an “open war” against Afghanistan in February over terror-related accusations after blaming Kabul for assisting terrorists behind the Islamabad mosque bombing on February 6 and high-casualty attacks on military checkpoints in Bajaur and Bannu in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province of northwestern Pakistan in mid-February.

The Global Terrorism Index (GTI) 2026 has placed Pakistan at the top, making it the world's most terror-affected country in 2025, with 1,139 deaths, 1,045 attacks, 1,595 people injured, and 655 hostages.

‘If you keep snakes in your backyard…’: Pakistan tops GTI as most terror-affected nation

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday (01 Dec) cautioned that the threat of Diseases and dangerous pathogens being misused by non-state actors is not a "distant possibility" or a theoretical concern, and called for sweeping reforms in the biosecurity architecture under the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC).&nbsp;"Misuse by non-state actors is no longer a distant possibility. Bioterrorism is a serious concern that the international community has to be adequately prepared for," Jaishankar said while addressing a two-day conference on '50 years of the Biological Weapons Convention: Strengthening Biosecurity for the Global South'.&nbsp;Underlining the structural Insufficiencies in the convention that has been at the forefront of Biological security, the minister stated, “It has no compliance system, it has no permanent technical body and no mechanism to track new scientific developments. These gaps must be bridged to strengthen confidence."&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-may-impose-governor-s-rule-in-khyber-pakhtunkhwa-after-cm-protested-for-imran-khan-1764569747779">Pakistan may impose Governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa after CM protested for Imran Khan - What's happening</a>&nbsp;Jaishankar restated India's long-standing position seeking stronger compliance systems under the BWC, including verification designed for the needs of contemporary times, and systematic review of scientific and technological advancements to ensure governance keeps pace with innovation.&nbsp;Highlighting New Delhi's vision, Jaishankar proposed a comprehensive National Implementation Framework that calls for high-risk agent identification, oversight of dual-use research, domestic reporting, incident management, and continuous training. He emphasised that assistance during biological emergencies must be "fast, practical, and purely humanitarian."&nbsp;“For 50 years, BWC has stood by one simple idea: That humanity rejects disease as a weapon. But norms survive only when nations renew them…We must modernise the Convention, we must keep pace with science and strengthen global capacity so that all countries can detect, prevent and respond to biological risks,” he said.&nbsp;India stands ready as a trusted partner of the Global South and a committed supporter of global biosecurity, he added.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/69-terror-launch-pads-100-waiting-terrorists-bsf-tightens-noose-on-loc-crushes-infiltration-bids-1764577673919">69 terror launch pads, 100+ waiting terrorists: BSF tightens noose on LOC, crushes infiltration bids</a>&nbsp;The Minister also reaffirmed New Delhi's commitment towards contributing positively in the domain. He highlighted India's rise as a health and biotech hub, with production of the world's 60 per cent of vaccines in the country, supplying over 20 per cent of global generic medicine and a growing ecosystem of more than 11,000 biotech startups.&nbsp;&nbsp;

EAM Jaishankar called for sweeping reforms in the global biosecurity architecture under the Biological Weapons Convention.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday (01 Dec) cautioned that the threat of Diseases and dangerous pathogens being misused by non-state actors is not a "distant possibility" or a theoretical concern, and called for sweeping reforms in the biosecurity architecture under the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC). "Misuse by non-state actors is no longer a distant possibility. Bioterrorism is a serious concern that the international community has to be adequately prepared for," Jaishankar said while addressing a two-day conference on '50 years of the Biological Weapons Convention: Strengthening Biosecurity for the Global South'. Underlining the structural Insufficiencies in the convention that has been at the forefront of Biological security, the minister stated, “It has no compliance system, it has no permanent technical body and no mechanism to track new scientific developments. These gaps must be bridged to strengthen confidence." Also Read: Pakistan may impose Governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa after CM protested for Imran Khan - What's happening Jaishankar restated India's long-standing position seeking stronger compliance systems under the BWC, including verification designed for the needs of contemporary times, and systematic review of scientific and technological advancements to ensure governance keeps pace with innovation. Highlighting New Delhi's vision, Jaishankar proposed a comprehensive National Implementation Framework that calls for high-risk agent identification, oversight of dual-use research, domestic reporting, incident management, and continuous training. He emphasised that assistance during biological emergencies must be "fast, practical, and purely humanitarian." “For 50 years, BWC has stood by one simple idea: That humanity rejects disease as a weapon. But norms survive only when nations renew them…We must modernise the Convention, we must keep pace with science and strengthen global capacity so that all countries can detect, prevent and respond to biological risks,” he said. India stands ready as a trusted partner of the Global South and a committed supporter of global biosecurity, he added. Also Read: 69 terror launch pads, 100+ waiting terrorists: BSF tightens noose on LOC, crushes infiltration bids The Minister also reaffirmed New Delhi's commitment towards contributing positively in the domain. He highlighted India's rise as a health and biotech hub, with production of the world's 60 per cent of vaccines in the country, supplying over 20 per cent of global generic medicine and a growing ecosystem of more than 11,000 biotech startups.

EAM Jaishankar called for sweeping reforms in the global biosecurity architecture under the Biological Weapons Convention.

Using disease as weapon is no longer a ‘distant possibility’: Jaishankar cautions against misuse of bio-weapons

Pakistan Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar on Friday (Nov 21) echoed Islamabad's rhetoric from a multilateral forum, declaring India's decision to hold the Indus Water Treaty in abeyance as 'unilateral and illegal,' adding that steps to hold the treaty in abeyance are a 'real threat to regional stability. However, he conveniently avoided addressing India's concern about cross-border terror emerging from his country.&nbsp;Speaking at the Indo-Pacific Ministerial forum roundtable in Brussels, Dar, who is also serving as Foreign Minister in Pakistan, took the usual moral stance on the issue and said that water must be a source of cooperation, “and not weaponised for politics”.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-army-kills-30-militants-near-afghan-border-days-after-islamabad-court-blast-pakistan-afghan-nationals-india-1763652024036">Pakistan Army kills 30 militants near Afghan border days after Islamabad court blast</a>&nbsp;After repeating his usual rhetoric against India, Dar took aim at its Western neighbour and blamed the Afghan Taliban for the strain in ties, adding that Kabul is responsible for recent terror strikes inside Pakistan. “We desire a peaceful, stable, friendly, connected, and prosperous Afghanistan. We urge the Afghan Taliban regime to act responsibly, honour their commitments, and work towards rooting out terrorism from its soil,” he said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-extends-ban-on-indian-flights-issues-fresh-notam-till-december-24-operation-sindoor-india-pakistan-tensions-imaran-khan-1763635579849">Pakistan extends ban on Indian flights, issues fresh NOTAM till December 24</a>&nbsp;India has put the treaty on abeyance as one of the counter-measures against Pakistan in the wake of the dastardly Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives, mostly tourists. Stating its position after the Move in New Delhi in a clear message to Islamabad, "Terror and talks cannot go together; water and blood cannot flow together."&nbsp;The Indus Waters Treaty, brokered by the World Bank and signed in September 1960, divided control of the rivers between India and Pakistan, giving India the eastern rivers Ravi, Beas and Sutlej, and Pakistan the western rivers Indus, Jhelum and Chenab. Although the treaty has endured wars and tense relations, it is often criticised in India, where many believe it grants an unfair share of water rights.&nbsp;

India has put the treaty on abeyance as one of the counter-measures against Pakistan in the wake of the dastardly Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives.

Pakistan Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar on Friday (Nov 21) echoed Islamabad's rhetoric from a multilateral forum, declaring India's decision to hold the Indus Water Treaty in abeyance as 'unilateral and illegal,' adding that steps to hold the treaty in abeyance are a 'real threat to regional stability. However, he conveniently avoided addressing India's concern about cross-border terror emerging from his country. Speaking at the Indo-Pacific Ministerial forum roundtable in Brussels, Dar, who is also serving as Foreign Minister in Pakistan, took the usual moral stance on the issue and said that water must be a source of cooperation, “and not weaponised for politics”. Also Read: Pakistan Army kills 30 militants near Afghan border days after Islamabad court blast After repeating his usual rhetoric against India, Dar took aim at its Western neighbour and blamed the Afghan Taliban for the strain in ties, adding that Kabul is responsible for recent terror strikes inside Pakistan. “We desire a peaceful, stable, friendly, connected, and prosperous Afghanistan. We urge the Afghan Taliban regime to act responsibly, honour their commitments, and work towards rooting out terrorism from its soil,” he said. Also Read: Pakistan extends ban on Indian flights, issues fresh NOTAM till December 24 India has put the treaty on abeyance as one of the counter-measures against Pakistan in the wake of the dastardly Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives, mostly tourists. Stating its position after the Move in New Delhi in a clear message to Islamabad, "Terror and talks cannot go together; water and blood cannot flow together." The Indus Waters Treaty, brokered by the World Bank and signed in September 1960, divided control of the rivers between India and Pakistan, giving India the eastern rivers Ravi, Beas and Sutlej, and Pakistan the western rivers Indus, Jhelum and Chenab. Although the treaty has endured wars and tense relations, it is often criticised in India, where many believe it grants an unfair share of water rights.

India has put the treaty on abeyance as one of the counter-measures against Pakistan in the wake of the dastardly Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives.

Keeping Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance is 'real threat' to regional stability, says Pakistan Deputy PM Dar

The Pakistan government on Friday said that authorities have arrested four militants linked to the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan for their involvement in a suicide attack outside a court campus in Islamabad. According to Pakistani authorities, a faction of the Pakistani Taliban, the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), claimed responsibility for the Tuesday (11 Nov) attack outside a district court, which killed 12 people and wounded dozens.&nbsp;“The network was handled and guided at every step by the … high command based in Afghanistan,” a Pakistani government statement said on Friday, adding that the cell’s alleged commander and three other members were in custody.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-pakistan-supreme-court-judges-resign-after-27th-amendment-enacted-as-law-1763056049861">'A grave assault on Constitution': Two Pakistan Supreme Court judges resign after 27th Amendment enacted as Law</a>&nbsp;“Investigations are continuing, and more revelations and arrests are expected,” it said, identifying the bomber as Usman alias Qari, a resident of Nangarhar province in eastern Afghanistan. The government did not detail where the arrests were made. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi told the Senate on Thursday that the bomber was Afghan. On Monday, Naqvi alleged that Afghan nationals were involved in this week’s attack on Cadet College Wana, a military-affiliated institution in northwest Pakistan.&nbsp;Tensions between Pakistan and its Western neighbour, Afghanistan, escalated in recent months, prompted by frequent border clashes, security concerns, and disagreement over interference in each other's domestic affairs.&nbsp;Islamabad accuses Afghanistan of harbouring the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) on Afghan soil, which launches attacks inside Pakistan.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/military-rule-2-0-pakistan-enacts-27th-amendment-army-chief-gains-lifelong-immunity-and-expanded-powers-shahbaz-sharif-nawaz-sharif-asim-munir-1762955753702">Military rule 2.0: Pakistan enacts 27th Amendment; Army chief gains lifelong immunity and expanded powers</a>&nbsp;Taliban government, however, denies any involvement and argues that it's not its responsibility to look after Pakistan's internal security issues.The dispute over the Durand Line results in periodic skirmishes between the two countries. Mass deportations of Afghan nationals, who were living in Pakistan for decades, also further strained relations.&nbsp;The Istanbul peace talks, after deadly border clashes in October, have ended without any agreement, with the sides trading blame for the breakdown in negotiations to restore tranquillity at the Durand line and uphold the fragile ceasefire.&nbsp;

Pakistan arrested four TTP-linked militants over the Islamabad court bombing that killed 12. Pakistan says they were receiving instructions from handlers based in Afghanistan.

The Pakistan government on Friday said that authorities have arrested four militants linked to the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan for their involvement in a suicide attack outside a court campus in Islamabad. According to Pakistani authorities, a faction of the Pakistani Taliban, the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), claimed responsibility for the Tuesday (11 Nov) attack outside a district court, which killed 12 people and wounded dozens. “The network was handled and guided at every step by the … high command based in Afghanistan,” a Pakistani government statement said on Friday, adding that the cell’s alleged commander and three other members were in custody. Also Read: 'A grave assault on Constitution': Two Pakistan Supreme Court judges resign after 27th Amendment enacted as Law “Investigations are continuing, and more revelations and arrests are expected,” it said, identifying the bomber as Usman alias Qari, a resident of Nangarhar province in eastern Afghanistan. The government did not detail where the arrests were made. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi told the Senate on Thursday that the bomber was Afghan. On Monday, Naqvi alleged that Afghan nationals were involved in this week’s attack on Cadet College Wana, a military-affiliated institution in northwest Pakistan. Tensions between Pakistan and its Western neighbour, Afghanistan, escalated in recent months, prompted by frequent border clashes, security concerns, and disagreement over interference in each other's domestic affairs. Islamabad accuses Afghanistan of harbouring the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) on Afghan soil, which launches attacks inside Pakistan. Also Read: Military rule 2.0: Pakistan enacts 27th Amendment; Army chief gains lifelong immunity and expanded powers Taliban government, however, denies any involvement and argues that it's not its responsibility to look after Pakistan's internal security issues. The dispute over the Durand Line results in periodic skirmishes between the two countries. Mass deportations of Afghan nationals, who were living in Pakistan for decades, also further strained relations. The Istanbul peace talks, after deadly border clashes in October, have ended without any agreement, with the sides trading blame for the breakdown in negotiations to restore tranquillity at the Durand line and uphold the fragile ceasefire.

Pakistan arrested four TTP-linked militants over the Islamabad court bombing that killed 12. Pakistan says they were receiving instructions from handlers based in Afghanistan.

Pakistan nabs four TTP militants linked to Afghan cell in connection with suicide bombing in Islamabad court

Pakistan's all-powerful army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, becomes even more powerful after the National Assembly on Wednesday (Nov 13) passed the controversial 27th amendment, introducing sweeping changes to the country's constitutional and military structures. It was passed during a ruckus-marred session attended by political heavyweights, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, PML-N President Nawaz Sharif and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari. The bill was passed by the Senate, the upper house of parliament, on Monday (10 Nov), as the opposition staged a boycott.&nbsp;The bill amends Article 243 of the constitution and creates a all-powerful new post, Chief of Defence Forces (CDF). The incumbent Chief of Army Staff will hold the post. Concurrently, he will also become the constitutionally recognised head of Pakistan's Army, Navy and Air Force, removing the separate status of Navy and Air Force chiefs, investing all operational authority in one office. The 27th Amendment grants five-star officers lifetime immunity, and the rank and privileges of Field Marshal will be for life, meaning that Field Marshals will remain Field Marshals for life.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/end-of-democracy-pak-opposition-vows-nationwide-protest-over-amendment-handing-more-power-to-asim-munir-1762689637311">End of democracy in Pakistan? Opposition vows nationwide protest over amendment handing more powers to Asim Munir</a>&nbsp;It also proposes abolishing the position of the Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC). The abolition of the CJCSC means the coordinating head above service chiefs is removed, so the army chief as CDF becomes the top uniformed command. Currently, the post is held by four-star General Sahir Shamshad, who is due to retire on November 27.&nbsp;The bill calls for the establishment of a new Federal Constitutional Court (FCC), which would surpass the Pakistan Supreme Court, the country's highest judicial authority. It would handle all constitutional, military, and national security–related cases, taking away the Supreme Court’s power to review or challenge decisions linked to the armed forces or national defence.<h3>Munir's growing heft</h3>Asim Munir was elevated to the position of Field Marshal following India’s Operation Sindoor in May. He became one of Pakistan’s most powerful figures in the country.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/imran-khan-attacks-asim-munir-political-crisis-pakistan-1762415636398">Imran Khan calls Asim Munir ‘mentally unstable dictator,’ accuses him of tyranny and cruelty</a>&nbsp;His leadership has extended well beyond the military, shaping domestic, foreign and economic polices of the country.&nbsp;Munir has also been part of several global delegations and recently received praise from US President Donald Trump as "his favourite field marshal" for his role in trade negotiations between Washington and Islamabad. &nbsp;

Pakistan’s National Assembly passes the 27th Amendment, granting Field Marshal Asim Munir lifelong authority as Chief of Defence Forces, uniting all services under him and establishing a new Federal Constitutional Court.

Pakistan's all-powerful army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, becomes even more powerful after the National Assembly on Wednesday (Nov 13) passed the controversial 27th amendment, introducing sweeping changes to the country's constitutional and military structures. It was passed during a ruckus-marred session attended by political heavyweights, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, PML-N President Nawaz Sharif and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari. The bill was passed by the Senate, the upper house of parliament, on Monday (10 Nov), as the opposition staged a boycott. The bill amends Article 243 of the constitution and creates a all-powerful new post, Chief of Defence Forces (CDF). The incumbent Chief of Army Staff will hold the post. Concurrently, he will also become the constitutionally recognised head of Pakistan's Army, Navy and Air Force, removing the separate status of Navy and Air Force chiefs, investing all operational authority in one office. The 27th Amendment grants five-star officers lifetime immunity, and the rank and privileges of Field Marshal will be for life, meaning that Field Marshals will remain Field Marshals for life. Also Read: End of democracy in Pakistan? Opposition vows nationwide protest over amendment handing more powers to Asim Munir It also proposes abolishing the position of the Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC). The abolition of the CJCSC means the coordinating head above service chiefs is removed, so the army chief as CDF becomes the top uniformed command. Currently, the post is held by four-star General Sahir Shamshad, who is due to retire on November 27. The bill calls for the establishment of a new Federal Constitutional Court (FCC), which would surpass the Pakistan Supreme Court, the country's highest judicial authority. It would handle all constitutional, military, and national security–related cases, taking away the Supreme Court’s power to review or challenge decisions linked to the armed forces or national defence. Munir's growing heft Asim Munir was elevated to the position of Field Marshal following India’s Operation Sindoor in May. He became one of Pakistan’s most powerful figures in the country. Also Read: Imran Khan calls Asim Munir ‘mentally unstable dictator,’ accuses him of tyranny and cruelty His leadership has extended well beyond the military, shaping domestic, foreign and economic polices of the country. Munir has also been part of several global delegations and recently received praise from US President Donald Trump as "his favourite field marshal" for his role in trade negotiations between Washington and Islamabad.

Pakistan’s National Assembly passes the 27th Amendment, granting Field Marshal Asim Munir lifelong authority as Chief of Defence Forces, uniting all services under him and establishing a new Federal Constitutional Court.

Military rule 2.0: Pakistan enacts 27th Amendment; Army chief gains lifelong immunity and expanded powers

Over the past three decades, India has faced a string of violent attacks linked to terror networks operating from across the border in Pakistan.

From JeM to LeT: 5 Pakistan-backed terror networks behind India’s most notorious attacks

Pakistan's Foreign Office on Monday rejected what it called India's "malicious assertions" based on complete distortion of facts, days after New Delhi said a recent UN report about Pakistan-based terror groups sending thousands of terrorists to Afghanistan is a reiteration of what Prime Minister Imran Khan publicly admitted.

The UN report said that around 6,500 Pakistani nationals were among foreign terrorists operating in Afghanistan and that Pakistan-based terror groups Jaish-e-Mohammad and Lashkar-e-Taiba are engaged in trafficking fighters into that country.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/us-spl-envoy-khalilzad-pak-army-chief-bajwa-discuss-afghan-peace-process-304210">US spl envoy Khalilzad, Pak Army chief Bajwa discuss Afghan peace process</a>

External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said on Friday that the international community is well acquainted with the reality that Pakistan is the "nerve centre of terrorism".

On Monday, the Foreign Office said in a statement that even the remarks of Prime Minister Khan were completely twisted by India.

"This mischievous attempt is highly condemnable," it said.

It claimed that the Ministry of External Affairs' comments are in continuation of their campaign to divert international attention from Kashmir.

"Pakistan has been the principal victim of terrorism, including terrorism perpetrated against our people from across the border,"&nbsp;it said.

"It is India that is seeking to distort and misrepresent the report of the UN Security Council's Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team to promote its anti-Pakistan propaganda. We are sure that the world community will not be misled,"&nbsp;the FO claimed.

Pakistan's role as a facilitator to the ongoing peace process in Afghanistan has been widely acknowledged by the relevant international partners, it said.

"We wish to reiterate that all relevant partner countries must guard against such attempts, while supporting the process for an inclusive and comprehensive political settlement in Afghanistan,"&nbsp;it added.

 
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Pakistan's Foreign Office on Monday rejected what it called India's "malicious assertions" based on complete distortion of facts, days after New Delhi said a recent UN report about Pakistan-based terror groups sending thousands of terrorists to Afghanistan is a reiteration of what Prime Minister Imran Khan publicly admitted.

Pakistan's Foreign Office on Monday rejected what it called India's "malicious assertions" based on complete distortion of facts, days after New Delhi said a recent UN report about Pakistan-based terror groups sending thousands of terrorists to Afghanistan is a reiteration of what Prime Minister Imran Khan publicly admitted. The UN report said that around 6,500 Pakistani nationals were among foreign terrorists operating in Afghanistan and that Pakistan-based terror groups Jaish-e-Mohammad and Lashkar-e-Taiba are engaged in trafficking fighters into that country. Also read | US spl envoy Khalilzad, Pak Army chief Bajwa discuss Afghan peace process External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said on Friday that the international community is well acquainted with the reality that Pakistan is the "nerve centre of terrorism". On Monday, the Foreign Office said in a statement that even the remarks of Prime Minister Khan were completely twisted by India. "This mischievous attempt is highly condemnable," it said. It claimed that the Ministry of External Affairs' comments are in continuation of their campaign to divert international attention from Kashmir. "Pakistan has been the principal victim of terrorism, including terrorism perpetrated against our people from across the border," it said. "It is India that is seeking to distort and misrepresent the report of the UN Security Council's Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team to promote its anti-Pakistan propaganda. We are sure that the world community will not be misled," the FO claimed. Pakistan's role as a facilitator to the ongoing peace process in Afghanistan has been widely acknowledged by the relevant international partners, it said. "We wish to reiterate that all relevant partner countries must guard against such attempts, while supporting the process for an inclusive and comprehensive political settlement in Afghanistan," it added.

Pakistan rejects UN report which claimed its terror groups operating in Afghanistan

Ahead of the one on one between US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday on the sidelines of the G7 summit in France, Washington has made it clear that removing the special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir is India's internal matter even as it called Pakistan to rein in terror groups.

Ahead of the one on one between US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday on the sidelines of the G7 summit in France, Washington has made it clear that removing the special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir is India's internal matter even as it called Pakistan to rein in terror groups. During a press briefing as Trump heads to France for G7, a senior Trump administration official said, "India’s decision to rescind Article 370 in Kashmir is an internal decision, but certainly with regional implications." The official said, while "President is likely to stress the need for dialogue among all sides of the conflict", he has also been "calling on Pakistan to prevent the infiltration of militants across the line of control that divides Kashmir and to crack down on groups on its territory that have attacked India in the past." The February 14 terror attack in Pulwama, the worst terror attack on Indian soil, was perpetrated by Pakistan based United Nations listed terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed. × Trump is also expected to urge from PM how he plans to "uphold respect for human rights for Kashmir" The one on one at the 45th G7 Summit in Biarritz, France comes almost two months after both leaders met on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Osaka, Japan. On Trump's offer to mediate between India and Pakistan, the White House official said no formal request has come from India. He said, "he has indicated -- that he is ready to assist if both sides are interested in helping to reduce their tensions. But we just note that India has not requested any formal mediation." Since the meet in Osaka, both leaders had a telephone conversation earlier this week during which along with Pakistan and Afghanistan, trade was also a key issue. The official said, "US is looking to India to reduce tariffs and open its markets."

US says abrogation of Article 370 India's internal matter, asks Pakistan to rein in terror groups