Pakistan has a sound case for Indian-sponsored terrorism on its premises under international law. Pakistan expresses its concern after obtaining “clear evidence” of Indian-sponsored terrorism within its territory. The Interior Minister, Rana Sanaullah, appeared in a press conference on December 13^th, 2022, saying that Pakistan has decided to reveal India’s face of terrorism to the world. The Minister communicated that evidence has been found of India’s involvement in the Johar Town blast last year in Lahore along with other terrorist attacks.

Pakistan earlier submitted a dossier to the United Nations in 2020 containing evidence against India perpetrating terrorist activities inside its premises. The dossier contained thorough evidence of India’s planning, promoting, assisting and financing of terrorist activities in Pakistan. The dossier obtained this time is believed to have more extensive evidence than the previous one. Especially with the increasing number of attacks by terrorists in the last few months.

Countries having bitter relations are often found blaming one another for state-sponsored terrorism. India and Pakistan are no exceptions. In order to cater to these issues, international laws exist. Let us take a look at what International law says about state-sponsored terrorism and how valid Pakistan’s case is against India.

United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has passed various resolutions for terrorism and condemns it, believing it to be a grave danger to international peace and security. Pakistan has many times shared data with the international community to highlight India’s interference in its matters and instigating terrorism. Resolution 1372/2001, 2178/2014 and 2232/2016 are relevant in Pakistan’s case. UNSC resolution 1372/2001 talks about the Countering Financing of Terrorism. Resolution 2178/2014 discusses the Foreign Terrorist Fighters (FTF), and Resolution 2232/2016 gives a guideline on a state’s steps.

International law clearly states how terrorism and sponsoring terrorism is a serious threat to international security. Article 2(4) of the United Nations explains how all the member states should abstain from “threat or use of force” against another country that violates its territorial integrity and political independence. India has clearly violated this according to the evidence provided by Pakistan and with the arrest and testimony of the Indian spy, Kulbhushan Yadav.

With the rise of attacks by Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other militant groups, Pakistan strongly believes India is backing and funding these attacks. The dossier made this time clearly indicates the undeniable and undisputable evidence of India’s involvement in financing the terrorist groups in Pakistan. Furthermore, the dossier predicts that more than $800,000 have been sponsored by India to assist the terrorists in carrying out deadly attacks.

Carrying terrorist acts also violates International Humanitarian Law. Hundreds of thousands of civilians have lost their lives in these terrorist attacks including the destruction of the infrastructure and land. This shows India has violated the Geneva Conventions 1977 protocol that states that no civilian life should be targeted whereas many lives have been taken by these sponsored terrorist attacks.

There is no doubt that India has violated international laws and Pakistan has a strong case against it. Referring to the past, Pakistan has always appeared to cooperate and comply with international laws even when it was accused of being behind the Mumbai attacks in India in 2008. On the other hand, India did not regard to the information shared on the dossier and violated the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2232/2016 which states the steps required to be taken by a state.

Evidence provided by Pakistan portrays its commitment to international laws and can be helpful in confronting India’s blame for terrorism especially after complying with Financial Action Task Force (FATF) requirements. After this, it will become difficult for India to tackle this situation after violating international laws and protocols. Pakistan should remain persistent in its case against India for sponsoring terrorism in the country, which can eventually lead to India receiving pressure from the international community to comply with the laws.