Pakistan’s Kashmir Focus Backfires as Internal Crises Deepen
February 12, 2025
Pakistan’s continued focus on Kashmir is failing to distract from its deepening economic and security crises. On February 5, 2025, the country once again observed Kashmir Solidarity Day, using strong rhetoric against India. However, while leaders spoke about Kashmir, Pakistan itself is struggling with rising terrorism, economic collapse, and diplomatic isolation.
Radical Speeches and Terrorist Links
Since 2004, Pakistan has used Kashmir Solidarity Day to push its claims over Jammu and Kashmir. This year, the speeches became more extreme. In Muzaffarabad, Anwar-ul-Haq, the so-called Prime Minister of Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK), openly called for jihad against India, claiming that Pakistan would remove “10 lakh Indian troops” from Kashmir.
The event also featured leaders from terrorist groups Hamas and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), including Dr. Khalid Qaddoumi and Talha Saif (brother of JeM chief Masood Azhar). Pakistan’s attempt to involve global terrorist organizations in its Kashmir agenda is seen as a dangerous escalation.
Pakistan Faces Terrorism at Home
While Pakistan promotes terrorism against India, it is facing a major rise in attacks within its own borders. Groups like Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) are targeting Pakistani security forces.
In January 2025 alone, terrorist incidents increased by 42%, killing more than 60 people. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan have become major conflict zones, with frequent bombings and armed attacks. While Pakistan shelters foreign terrorists in PoK, its own citizens are suffering from violence caused by the very extremists it once supported.
Distraction from Economic Collapse
Pakistan’s focus on Kashmir is also a strategy to divert attention from its collapsing economy. Inflation is at record highs, the country is struggling to repay its debts, and people are protesting against rising food and fuel prices.
In PoK, protests against military oppression, economic hardship, and forced disappearances are growing. The Pakistani government, instead of addressing these issues, continues to focus on its Kashmir propaganda.
Diplomatic Isolation
Pakistan is also losing support on the global stage. The United States and European countries have stopped paying attention to Pakistan’s Kashmir claims, focusing instead on counterterrorism. Even in the Muslim world, countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE are strengthening ties with India instead of Pakistan.
China, Pakistan’s closest ally, is also growing wary. The Baloch insurgency is directly threatening Chinese investments in Pakistan, making Beijing hesitant about its commitments under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
A Losing Battle
Pakistan has reportedly gathered 80-100 foreign terrorists in PoK to try and restart militancy in Kashmir before summer. However, India’s security forces are on high alert, and any attempt to infiltrate the border will likely be met with strong resistance.
Pakistan is no longer in control of the terrorism it once supported. By continuing its failed policies, the country is becoming a symbol of misgovernance, extremism, and diplomatic failure. While Pakistan talks about Kashmir, its own future looks increasingly uncertain.
With inputs from : Ruchi Singh | Published on EurasiaReview
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