The recent US Congressional report on terrorism has disclosed that Pakistan is home to at least 12 groups acknowledged as Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO). The bipartisan research wing of the US Congress published this report titled ‘Terrorist and Other Militant Groups in Pakistan,’ during the Quad summit of 2021. In February 2021, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) decided to keep Pakistan on the greylist, another key decision highlighting the issue of terrorism.
Understanding Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO)
An FTO is a foreign entity designated by the US Secretary of State as being involved in terrorist activities. This classification plays an essential role in the global fight against terrorism, curtailing support for terrorist activities and pressuring these groups to abandon their involvement in terrorism.
Pakistan: A Safe Haven for Terror
Pakistan continues to serve as a safe haven for certain terrorist groups with regional focus. These groups, which target Afghanistan and India, operate from Pakistani territory. Neighbouring countries like Afghanistan and India, along with the US, have accused Islamabad of providing safe havens and support to these militants.
Categorization of Terrorist Groups in Pakistan
There are five broad categories into which the groups operating in Pakistan fall:
1. Globally-oriented
2. Afghanistan-oriented
3. India- and Kashmir-oriented
4. Domestically-oriented
5. Sectarian (anti-Shia)
Notable India-Centric Terror Organizations in Pakistan
Several terror organizations operating in Pakistan target India specifically. Here are few such organizations:
1. Lashkar-e-Taiba (LET): Established in the late 1980s, the US designated it as an FTO in 2001. This group carried out the notable 2008 Mumbai attacks among others.
2. Jaish-e-Mohammed (JEM): The JEM, founded in 2000, was responsible for the 2001 attack on the Indian parliament and other attacks. This group has also openly declared war on the United States.
3. Harakat-ul Jihad Islami (HUJI): Initially formed to combat the soviet army, HUJI redirected its efforts toward India post-1989.
4. Harkat-ul-Mujahideen (HUM): Primarily operates from Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir and certain Pakistani cities.
5. Hizb-ul Mujahideen: It is the militant wing of Pakistan’s largest Islamist political party, primarily operating in Jammu and Kashmir.
6. Al Qaeda: This group primarily operates from the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas, Karachi and Afghanistan.
Steps Taken by Pakistan Government
After an early 2019 terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, the Pakistan government took modest steps to counter terrorism financing and restrain some India-focused militant groups. However, they are yet to take decisive actions against India- and Afghanistan-focused militants. Despite a promise made in its 2015 National Action Plan to dismantle all terror organizations swiftly and without discrimination, much progress remains unfulfilled.
