Q.5 What is meant by the term “Proxy War”? Are there any extrinsic factors at play in the internal security situation of Pakistan? (20)  2020

Proxy war refers to a conflict between two or more external powers that uses a third party as a surrogate to fight on their behalf. The term is often used in the context of international relations, where one state supports a local group or insurgent organization in another country to achieve its strategic objectives without directly engaging in the conflict.

In the case of Pakistan, the country has been a victim of proxy wars for many years. The term is often used to describe the situation in which foreign powers, such as India and Afghanistan, are believed to be supporting insurgent groups in Pakistan to destabilize the country and pursue their strategic interests.

There are several extrinsic factors that are believed to be at play in the internal security situation of Pakistan, including:

1. India: India and Pakistan have a long-standing history of conflict, including disputes over the territory of Kashmir. India is accused of supporting separatist movements in Pakistan, such as the Balochistan Liberation Army and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan.
2. Afghanistan: The instability in Afghanistan has had a significant impact on Pakistan’s internal security situation. The Taliban, which has close ties to Pakistan’s intelligence agencies, has been accused of launching attacks on Pakistani soil with the support of the Afghan government.
3. United States: The United States has been involved in the region since the 1980s, providing support to various groups to fight against the Soviet Union. After the September 11 attacks, the US invaded Afghanistan and has since been engaged in a protracted conflict in the country. This has had a spill-over effect on Pakistan’s internal security situation, with the rise of extremist groups and the proliferation of weapons.
4. Iran: Iran has also been accused of supporting separatist groups in Pakistan, such as the Baloch Liberation Army. Pakistan has accused Iran of backing terrorist attacks in the country.

In conclusion, the term “proxy war” refers to a conflict between external powers that use a third party as a surrogate to fight on their behalf. Pakistan has been a victim of proxy wars for many years, with India and Afghanistan accused of supporting insurgent groups to destabilize the country. There are several extrinsic factors at play in the internal security situation of Pakistan, including India, Afghanistan, the United States, and Iran.