ISLAMABAD: An Indian Army officer, Colonel Rajesh Pawar, has said in a YouTube podcast that India, Israel and Afghanistan are playing separate roles in supporting anti-Pakistan terrorist groups operating in the region.
The comments were made by Colonel Rajesh Pawar during an appearance on the YouTube podcast News Book, hosted by Indian journalist and anchor Shubhankar Mishra.
During the discussion, Pawar said that anti-Pakistan activities in Afghanistan and Balochistan are linked to Israel.
“The anti-Pakistan activities that have increased in Afghanistan and Balochistan are, in one way or another, linked to Israel,” he said.
The remarks are notable because Pakistani officials have repeatedly referred to hostile external actors supporting terrorist organisations such as the banned Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
Pawar further admitted that Israel’s involvement was currently focused on intelligence and technological assistance.
“Israel’s role remains limited at this stage. They are providing intelligence and weapons,” he said.
Providing financial support
The Indian officer also said that New Delhi was providing financial support to terrorist groups operating against Pakistan.
“India is largely providing financial support to the BLA and even to the TTP,” Pawar stated during the podcast.
His comments went further, saying that Afghanistan was providing space and support to terrorist organisations targeting Pakistan.
“The safe havens and territorial space available to these groups are being provided in Afghanistan,” he said.
According to Pawar, the groups were being allowed to operate from Afghan territory and were receiving administrative support there.
Technology and intelligence
“They are being allowed to operate from Afghan territory and are receiving administrative support there,” he added.
In another significant statement, Pawar described a division of responsibilities among various actors.
“India is providing financial assistance, while Israel is currently providing technology and intelligence,” he said.
The remarks come amid Pakistan’s continued concerns regarding cross-border terrorism and the activities of the banned TTP and BLA. Pakistani security officials have repeatedly maintained that terrorist groups use safe havens outside Pakistan to plan and launch attacks against civilians, security personnel and public infrastructure.
The comments have attracted attention because they were made by an Indian military officer on a public platform and echo concerns long raised by Pakistan regarding external support networks benefiting anti-Pakistan terrorist organisations.
