How Can the U.S. Address Its Relationship with Pakistan?

On April 16, 2025, General Asim Munir, the army chief of Pakistan, spoke at the Overseas Pakistani Convention in Islamabad. His speech combined Islamic themes with a strong military message, focusing on Pakistan’s identity rooted in the two-nation theory. Munir, who is known for his deep religious background and is a Hafiz-e-Quran, emphasized the idea that Muslims in the subcontinent form a distinct nation. This concept, originally argued by Pakistan’s founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah, suggests that Hindus and Muslims cannot coexist peacefully under a secular government.

Munir reiterated that throughout history, Muslims in the region have been culturally and religiously different from Hindus. He claimed that Pakistan is the second country ever established on the Islamic declaration of faith, following the state founded by the Prophet Muhammad. His remarks implied that the 200 million Muslims in India live under foreign rule and should be loyal to Pakistan.

Some analysts viewed Munir’s speech as a strategic move to shift focus from Pakistan’s ongoing domestic challenges. His use of religious language, including terms like jihad, raised concerns about the military’s stance amid its historical dominance over civilian governments. The speech was attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, whose brother, former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, faced a similar fate for trying to limit military power.

Just a week after Munir’s address, a horrific attack occurred in Kashmir. Four terrorists killed 26 Indian civilians in Baisaran, a popular tourist spot. Eyewitnesses reported that the attackers targeted Hindu men, forcing them to prove their faith by checking for circumcision and demanding they recite the Kalima. The terrorists executed the Hindu men and filmed the massacre, claiming it was in retaliation against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Resistance Front, linked to the terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba, took responsibility for the attack. This group, supported by Pakistan’s military intelligence, has a history of carrying out violent acts against India, including the infamous 2008 Mumbai attacks.

The massacre sparked outrage across India, as it highlighted the religious motivations behind the violence. The attack came at a time when Kashmir had seen improved stability and a resurgence in tourism since the revocation of its special status in 2019. The images of grieving families have intensified feelings of anger and despair, shattering hopes for peace between India and Pakistan.

Pakistan’s reliance on jihadist groups stems from its foundation on religious nationalism and a belief in its rightful claim over Kashmir. The country has a long history of using Islamic militancy as a tool for political leverage, driven by a narrative that frames Pakistan as the rightful leader of Muslims in the region.

The roots of Pakistan’s creation lie in the historical decline of Muslim power in India and the desire for a separate nation, fueled by fears of Hindu dominance. This led to the partition of British India in 1947, creating Pakistan as a homeland for Muslims. However, the new nation faced immediate challenges, including sectarian unrest and the influx of refugees from India.

Over the years, Pakistan’s military has become the most powerful institution, often overshadowing civilian governance. The military’s influence has deepened since the 1977 coup led by General Zia-ul-Haq, who integrated Islamic laws into the country’s governance and fostered a hardline Sunni identity.

The ongoing conflict between India and Pakistan remains unresolved. India’s response to cross-border terrorism has shifted, with recent military actions signaling a tougher stance. As Pakistan grapples with its internal challenges, the international community faces a complex situation, needing to address the threat posed by a state that uses terrorism as a tool of policy.