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PROXY WARS IN PAKISTAN

A proxy war is an armed conflict between two states or non-state actors which act on the
instigation or on behalf of other parties that are not directly involved in the hostilities. A war
instigated by a major power which does not itself become involved. According to Cambridge
Dictionry. a war fought between groups or smaller countries that each represent the interests
of other larger powers, and may have help and support from these countries.

PAKISTAN-BATTLEFIED OF WAR OF PERSIAN GULF STATES

It is widely recognized that the sectarian terrorism in Pakistan is an extension of the Gulf rivalries
and the sectarian networks are funded from abroad. A report in a national daily on Monday quoting
sources in FIA tells that the terrorist groups in FATA and Balochistan have been receiving billions of
rupees each month through banking channels and money exchange companies. While it is for the
FIA to conduct the probe thoroughly and take measures to block the funds, this strengthens the
popular perception that the certain gulf countries are fighting a proxy war in Pakistan. The
declaration issued at the end of the moot expressed resolve to oppose foreign interference in
Pakistan’s internal affairs. It specifically accused the US and Saudi Arabia of interference. For
decades there was a consensus in Pakistan to treat Saudi Arabia as a country beyond criticism. The
media which spared none, least of all the US, strictly avoided publishing anything that could be
described as critical of the Saudis. The perception of the Gulf money fueling terrorist activity,
particularly that of LeJ and its sister organizations, has changed the traditional attitude towards
Saudi Arabia. Presumably the funding for the terrorist networks comes from individuals and charities
in the Gulf rather than the governments. The least that is expected from these governments,
particularly the Saudi government, is to take effective measures to block these funds.

PAKISTAN AND INDIAN PROXY WAR IN AFGHANISTAN

One is the dilemma between Pakistan and Afghanistan that is independent of India. And of course
there is a second security dilemma, which is between India and Pakistan and the struggle for
influence outside in the broader region,” Tellis said. “And Afghanistan has become the arena where
that struggle for influence is being manifested most clearly.” Journalist and author Steve Coll, whose
latest book Directorate S: The CIA and America’s Secret Wars in Afghanistan and Pakistan, offers a
detailed behind-the-scene look at the protracted Afghan conflict claims. He claims there have been
proxy war developments between India and Pakistan in recent years. “Both sides are trying to use
the same proxy violence strategies against one another,” Coll claimed. “It only reinforces the belief
among Pakistani high command they need purchase on their border region as a kind of forward
defense against what they perceive to be long-term Indian intentions.” Coll said he believes Pakistan
is willing to accept a certain amount of instability and violence in Afghanistan if they think doing so
would prevent it from consolidating as India’s ally. Tellis, however, argued the opposite point of
view, saying the general view in Washington’s policy circles is that the India-Pakistan issue is very
difficult to solve. “It will certainly not be solved anytime soon. And therefore we cannot make
Afghanistan hostage to India-Pakistan rivalry.”
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PAKISTAN STATUS AS FRONT LINE STATE IN WAR ON TERROR

The Kerry-Lugar legislation, an aid package for Pakistan from the U.S. promising USD 7.5 billion over
a period of five years for non-military social sectors, is a key current issue in this context. Furious
reactions from the Pakistani public, media personnel and even military leaders on how it affects
sovereignty due to attached conditions had perhaps more to do with language of the bill than
intention.