Pakistan's accusations that the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) is a proxy for India have recently intensified, particularly in the wake of a deadly attack on a school bus in Balochistan. These allegations, however, are unfolding against a backdrop of escalating internal strife within Pakistan and strained relations with neighboring Afghanistan, further complicating the narrative.
In the aftermath of the Khuzdar school bus attack, which resulted in the deaths of several children, Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif declared that the BLA and TTP are "Indian proxies". He asserted that Pakistan would present "complete evidence" to prove India's involvement in the attack. According to security officials, the bus was attacked using an explosives-laden vehicle near Zero Point on the Quetta-Karachi Highway. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) stated that the attack was "planned and orchestrated by the terrorist state of India and executed by its proxies in Balochistan". The ISPR further claimed that these groups are financed and directed by India, and have no connection to religion or nationalism.
These accusations are not new. Pakistan has long alleged that India supports terrorist groups operating within its borders, particularly in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. India has consistently denied these charges, dismissing them as baseless propaganda intended to deflect attention from Pakistan's own internal problems and its alleged support for terrorist groups operating in India, especially in Kashmir.
India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has rejected Pakistan's allegations as baseless, calling them an attempt to divert attention from Pakistan's reputation as a global epicenter of terrorism. India argues that it has presented concrete evidence of Pakistan's support for terrorist activities in India, including captured Pakistani terrorists, intercepted communications, and seized weapons.
The timing of these accusations is noteworthy. Pakistan is currently facing significant internal challenges, including a surge in terrorist violence, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, after the TTP ended its ceasefire with the government in November 2022. Militant attacks have surged, and Pakistan ranked high in the Global Terrorism Index 2025.
Moreover, Pakistan's relations with Afghanistan have deteriorated significantly. Islamabad has accused the Afghan Taliban of failing to rein in the TTP, which has been using Afghan territory as a safe haven to launch attacks into Pakistan. The Taliban, in turn, accuses Pakistan of deflecting responsibility for its domestic difficulties. Tensions have escalated to the point of armed clashes and cross-border shelling.
Amid these tensions, India has been seeking to strengthen its relationship with Afghanistan. India's External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar held a telephonic conversation with the interim Foreign Minister of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) Amir Khan Muttaqi. He reiterated India's commitment to the Afghan people and thanked his counterpart for his condemnation of the terror attack.
Pakistan's accusations against India also come in the wake of increased scrutiny of its own role in supporting extremist groups in the past. Some analysts point out that the TTP is, in many ways, a creation of Pakistan's own policies. During the US invasion of Afghanistan after the 9/11 attacks, Pakistan supported the American invasion. Some of those radical groups turned against Islamabad and banded together with al-Qaeda to form the TTP.
In conclusion, Pakistan's claims that the TTP is an Indian proxy should be viewed within the context of its internal challenges, strained regional relationships, and historical support for extremist groups. While Pakistan vows to present evidence, India firmly denies the charges, and the international community remains skeptical, recognizing the complex interplay of factors driving instability in the region.
