CNI News

8 May 2025

There are various opinions among military and political observers on the direction of the Arakan Army (AA)'s military ambitions in Myanmar. 

the military objectives of the AA and PDF forces that have arrived outside Rakhine State may be directed towards defense equipment manufacturing factories located on the western bank of the Ayeyarwady River, Dr. Aye Maung, chairman of the Arakan Front Party (AFP), told CNI News.

“The Ayeyarwady offensive will be a show, but the real one is the western side of the Ayeyarwady River where the defense factories are located in the central plains. The Magway and Minbu offensives are more likely to become. The attack on Ayeyarwady Region will be a show, but the real offensive will be to take a foothold in Taung Goat and Ann and head towards the defense factories on the western side of the Ayeyarwady River, such as Setutthaya and Ngaphe. With the Shan-Mann operation failing, it seems they are aiming to launch a continuation of the Shan-Mann operation in Kachin State. In Kachin State, the KIA-PDF joint forces are attacking Bhamo, The resistance groups from Bhamo will meet at the Ayeyarwady River. That's why Bhamo can be the main operation. It seems like the Myanmar Tatmadaw is putting up a strong resistance in Bhamo,” he said.

A crossroads in Rakhine State

Clashes are taking place between the Myanmar Tatmadaw and the AA-PDF joint forces on the Pathein-Monywa road in Ayeyarwady Region and the Yangon-Pyi road in Bago Region. 
In addition, clashes are taking place between the AA and the Myanmar Tatmadaw on the Ann-Padan road, which connects the Rakhine Yoma and Magway Region. Similarly, fighting continues in Kyaukphyu Township, Rakhine State, where many Chinese projects are located, and in Chin State, PDFs are collaborating with Chin resistance groups to attack the Myanmar Tatmadaw.

Then, in the battles of Tigyaing, Kawlin, Indaw, and Bhamo in Sagaing Region, the AA is also fighting in collaboration with the KIA-PDF-ABSDF. 

Colonel Khun Ukka, chairman of the Pa-O National Liberation Front (PNLO-NCA/S), which signed the NCA, told CNI News that the AA’s attacks on areas such as Ayeyarwady Region, Bago Region, Magway Region, and Chin State are merely a means of preventing counterattacks on areas in Rakhine State it has seized.

Two leaders of the AA

“I believe that the AA is attacking Bago, Ayeyarwady, and Magway Regions for the security of Rakhine, and to guard the opening for counter-offensives to protect Rakhine. If the AA attacks defense factories, will there be security for the territories in the back? Now it's attacking Sittwe and Kyaukphyu, so there's something to think about. However, if the AA gets international and allied support, it could have a bigger military ambition. If it doesn't get them, The AA's attack on the mainland is considered to be a way to build a fence for the security of Rakhine State. So, it's not easy for the Myanmar Tatmadaw to retake Rakhine State because it is preparing for the defense." he said.

The AA has stated that it wants a confederation at the lowest level and has the goal of establishing Rakhine Country at the highest level. 

Currently, the AA has controlled the townships of Thandwe, Gwa, Ann, Minbya, Mrauk-U, Maungdaw, Rathedaung, Buthidaung, Kyauktaw, Ponnagyun, Manaung, Pauktaw, Taung Goat, and Myebon in Rakhine State.

CNI News

8 May 2025

The approaches to Myanmar issue between the TNLA, which is waging an armed rebellion, and China, which wants stability in Burma, are different, and the question of how they differ is being raised. 

The TNLA Joint General Secretary (2) Colonel Tar Pan La said at a press conference on May 4 that China and the TNLA have different approaches to Myanmar issue, and therefore different ways of finding solutions.

He said that the current situation is Myanmar politics, so while the people of Myanmar have the main decision-making power, they cannot be isolated from neighboring countries, and China's supervision has also been of great help.

Lt-Gen Ko Ko, delegate of the Myanmar Tatmadaw and Vice Chairman of the TNLA Lt-Gen Tar Joc Jar

" In fact, This is our politics. So, our citizen are the main decision maker. However, we cannot be isolated from our neighbors or the world. So, the Chinese government's involvement, support, and supervision have been very helpful. Here, as the approaches are different, finding ways to solutions is slightly different. The approach of the Myanmar citizens is that the Myanmar Tatmadaw overthrew the democratic government. After the coup, the Tatmadaw unjustly kills and tortures the people, and airstrikes were carried out. The Tatmadaw is carrying out airstrikes. That is why we must overthrow the Tatmadaw , overthrow the military council, and reform our country.But the neighboring country's approach is not like that. So this country needs stability. Their approach may be to make Myanmar stable and peaceful. "That's why the approaches are different, and how to find the solution may be also different." said Col. Tar Pan La.

On April 28-29, 2025, delegates of the Myanmar Tatmadaw and the TNLA met in Kunming, China, but the talks ended without reaching an agreement. As the Myanmar Tatmadaw demanded the TNLA to retreat from Nawng Cho, Kyaukme, Thibaw, Mogok, and Momeik that were occupied by the TNLA, the discussion ended without any agreement. However, the TNLA announced that the two sides have agreed to meet again next August.

While the TNLA flags were being raised

The two sides are currently in a ceasefire until the end of May, but the extent and duration of the ceasefire will be discussed again in August, said the TNLA Joint General Secretary (2) Col. Tar Pan La at a press conference on May 4.

“ We have no plan to give Mogok or any other town. This is because we must also listen to the voices of our allies who fought with us, and we must also careful to the voices of the people who cooperated with us to ensure that the milititary junta left this territory. Currently, our position is to stop where the forces of the two sides are, stop the attacks, and allow the public to cooperate and move around." he said.

During Operation 1027, which began on October 27, 2023, a ceasefire was reached between the Kokang force (MNDAA) and the Myanmar Tatmadaw after discussion, but negotiations with the TNLA remain inconvenient.

In addition, there are reports that the TNLA aims to gather the regions of Muse, Namkham, Mong Wee, Kutkai, Theinni, Mantong, Namtu, Nansang, Momeik, Mong Ngor, Kyaukme, Thibaw, and Naung Cho, and establish them as a Palaung State.

CNI News

8 May 2025

People in earthquake-hit areas are more interested in creating job opportunities for them than in insurance compensation, U Aung Pyae Sone, a businessman, told CNI News. 

Earthquake-affected people said that what workers really want is not so-called subsidies, but rather a solution to the current shortage of jobs and unemployment.

“There are hundreds of thousands of people who have been affected by the earthquake. We have affected hundreds of thousands of people in Sagaing, Mandalay, Nay Pyi Taw, Magway, Bago, and Yangon, so how much compensation will be given to workers’ compensation? 10,000, or 100,000, or 1,000,000 Kyats (ten hundred thousand)? We don't want compensation unless we know the amount. To be honest, I also asked the workers, whether they are my employees or other workers, what they need right now is not compensation. What they want is to help make their work more convenient and smooth during the current recovery period." he said.

U Aung Myint Myint pointed out that the government should also make arrangements to restore jobs for the grassroots.

Earthquake victims in Mandalay

"In such a situation, it is imperative that these workers be provided with another job or another industry so that they can return to work normally and find a way to make ends meet.Either the relevant Regional Government or the Ministry of Labor must take action. We first need to collect data on the number of workers who have become unemployed due to the earthquake. There is an urgent need to create job opportunities for these workers." he said.

The powerful earthquake that struck on March 28, 2025, caused damage in 10 Regions/States, including Naypyidaw Council, and affected 128,965 households and 629,206 people. 
Of the more than 600,000 earthquake victims, 48,656 have been relocated to 135 relief camps, while 159,239 have relocated on their own. Despite suffering the earthquake, 421,311 people were still living in their homes, according to the DMC's April 23 tally.

While seeing a building that was about to collapse due to the earthquake

According to the preliminary list on April 24, 63,854 houses, 6,752 schools, 5,474 monasteries and nunneries, 5,342 pagodas, 613 other religious buildings, 576 hospitals/clinics, 56 railway sections, 271 road sections, 188 expressway sections, 586 dams/embankments, 172 bridges, and 353 transformers were damaged or destroyed in 10 Regions and States including Naypyidaw Council.

In the earthquake-hit Mandalay Region, small-scale industries, small-scale manufacturing, weaving and lacquerware industries, wholesale industries, border trade, and stone carving industries are being operated. Similarly, Sagaing Region also has value-added consumer goods and food products, and manufacturing industries that use raw materials from the region.

According to the Regional Small Scale Industries Department, there are 1,887 small scale industrialists in Sagaing Region with an investment of 3,182 million kyats and an annual production value of 23,756.239 million kyats.

CNI News

7 May 2025

After the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) captured 12 townships during Operation 1017, it demanded the creation of a Palaung state, raising questions about the extent of Palaung state's area. 

The TNLA Joint Secretary General (2) Col. Tar Pan La responded to a question from CNI News Agency at a press conference on May 4 that it was too early to say anything about the area of Palaung State.

“Whether it is a region or a state, we will have to decide at the next political conference whether it will be a form of a national parliament or a political dialogue that will emerge in the future. Currently, we are taking responsibility for administering and managing 12 townships. We will take care of them for a period of time until another form of public government or the federal democratic government that the whole country is hoping for emerges. The formation of Palaung State will be determined in future political discussions. It is still a bit early to say which territory or which area will be included in Palaung State.” said Col. Tar Pan La.

There are reports that the TNLA aims to gather the townships of Muse, Namkham, Nam Phat Ka, Mong Wee, Kutkai, Theinni, Mantong, Namtu, Nansang, Moemeik, Mong Ngor, Kyaukme, Thibaw, and Naung Cho and establish them as a Palaung state.

While seeing the TNLA

The two-day talks held in Kunming, China, failed after Myanmar Tatmadaw delegation demanded the withdrawal of TNLA forces from the areas of Naung Cho, Kyaukme, Thibaw, Mogok, and Moeik, which were occupied by the TNLA during Operation 1027. The talks, which were held from April 28-29, mediated by China, ended without an agreement, but the TNLA said the two sides agreed to meet again in August.

Regarding the Myanmar military's demand the TNLA to withdraw, the TNLA would continue with its previous stance, said Lwe Ye Oo, spokesperson of the TNLA.

"We have declared a ceasefire until the end of May. Therefore, we will not carry out any offensive operations. At present, we have announced a unilateral ceasefire out of sympathy for the people affected by the earthquake. "The SAC is demanding that we withdraw from Mogok and the other five towns. We cannot agree to this. There is no withdrawal. We will continue to act in accordance with our position." she said.

During Operation 1027, which has lasted for more than 2 years, a ceasefire was reached through negotiations between the Kokang force, the National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) and the Myanmar Tatmadaw but negotiations with the TNLA have not yet been successful.

During the Kunming talks on April 28-29, 2025, the TNLA demanded that both sides stop fighting and cease fire at the places where the forces of the two sides have reached currently, refrain from offensive operations, and cease airstrikes, artillery fire, and drone attacks.

In addition, the TNLA also reportedly requested that both sides allow passage for the transportation of food and medicine for local residents in areas under their control.

CNI News

7 May 2025

The Commander-in-Chief of the Myanmar Defence Services announced on May 6 that the Tatmadaw has ceased fire temporarily until May 31, 2025, in order to ensure stability and peace and to facilitate rehabilitation efforts in the earthquake-affected areas. 

In response to the devastation caused by the earthquake that struck on March 28, the Tatmadaw has declared a temporary ceasefire from April 2 to 30, 2025, for rapid relief and rehabilitation efforts in the earthquake-affected areas.

The government is currently actively carrying out reconstruction and rehabilitation work in the earthquake-affected areas, including government offices, housing, and transportation, and is also managing international assistance, said in the statement.

Therefore, in order to achieve lasting and genuine peace and stability for the nation, the Tatmadaw has extended the temporary ceasefire from May 6 to 31, 2025.

While seeing the Myanmar Tatmadaw's ceasefire announcement

During the period of the temporary ceasefire, ethnic armed groups and other armed groups are prohibited from disrupting and damaging transportation routes used by the public, harming the lives and property of the public, attacking military bases of security forces serving in the security and law and order, disrupting and attacking military headquarters, and gathering, organizing, and expanding territory that would undermine peace. 

If such actions are taken, the Tatmadaw will take necessary countermeasures to protect the public, the Office of the Commander-in-Chief of the Tatmadaw announced on April 2.
The Myanmar Tatmadaw issued a total of 22 ceasefire statements from December 21, 2018 to December 31, 2023. Then, on September 26, 2024, the SAC offered to resolve the political issue through political means.

The Northern Alliance (AA-TNLA-MNDAA), which is currently engaged in fierce fighting with the Myanmar Tatmadaw, has also announced a temporary ceasefire from April 1 to 30, and has also stated a temporary ceasefire until the end of May.

CNI News

6 May 2025

The National Socialist Council of Nagaland Khaplang/Ang Mai (NSCN-K/AM) told officials concerned to conduct military recruitment in accordance with the law without conducting beyond the law.

The Myanmar Tatmadaw and the General Administration Department are arresting young men by force to call up into the army without carrying out in accordance with law in Leshi, Lahe and Nanyun Townships and Khamti Township, said locals.

The NSCN-K/AM has sent a letter to general administrators in Leshi, Lahe, Nanyun and Khamti Townships and military strategists, in which they should call up local young men into the army in accordance with the law, said chairman of the peacemaking committee of the NSCN-K/AM, U Chin Aung.

While the NSCN-K/AM and Chief Minister of Sagaing Region were discussing peace

“In our area, young men don’t dare to stay at home. They (the Myanmar Tatmadaw and GAD staff) chase and arrest the men to make them serve in the military. Some of military officials come and arrest the young men working at the gold mines and then, they ask ransom. We have sent a letter to them, in which they need to carry out in accordance with the call-up letters regarding the conscription law. But sometimes they arrest and take away young men on the road or other places without having call-up letters. The young men who came to Khamti to receive medical treatment were arrested and taken away." he said.

The NSCN-K/AM, a Naga armed group, is in talks to sign a peace agreement with the Myanmar Tatmadaw. 

While demonstrations that support the military service law in Naga region were being held

The Myanmar Tatmadaw is facing an armed revolution across Myanmar and is calling up conscripts to expand its military strength.

The People's Military Service Law, enacted by the State Peace and Development Council Law No. 27/2010 in 2010, will come into force on February 10, 2024, the SAC Chairman Senior General Min Aung Hlaing announced on February 10, 2024.

There are a total of 7 million men and women covered by the military service law in Myanmar, and 5,000 people will be called up for military service each month, said Major General Zaw Min Tun. Currently, the Myanmar Tatmadaw has called up recruits until 12th batch since the military service law came into effect.

CNI News

6 May 2025

The State Administration Council (SAC) needs to not only open the door to peace, but also take into account the circumstances in which armed groups can enter the door to peace, Col. Saw Kyaw Nyunt, spokesperson for the 7 EAO Alliance, told CNI News.

He said that if such a situation can be created, it will be possible to find ways to overcome the crises.

“The current situation in the country is that we have been suffering from armed conflict for more than 4 years. I believe that we have the ability to reduce or end this armed conflict that we ourselves have created. The SAC or the government, which is responsible for all the important issues of the entire country, needs to be more far-sighted and try to be more tolerant than we are. I believe that if the organization that is currently responsible for and manages all the affairs of the state can take serious action to create an environment where stakeholders can enter the open door of peace, rather than just saying that the door to peace has been opened, we will be able to find ways to overcome the crisis." said Col. Saw Kyaw Nyunt.

While seeing an armed group

Due to China's brokered engagement, the Kokang National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) handed over the city of Lashio which it had occupied on August 3, 2024 to the Myanmar Tatmadaw April 21, 2025 and it was allowed to rule the Kokang Special Region (1).

However, the TNLA and the Myanmar Tatmadaw met in China on January 15 and 16, 2025, but the talks ended without reaching an agreement. Then, with China's brokered engagement, the two sides met and discussed a ceasefire in Kunming, China, on April 28 and 29, 2025.

The meeting on April 28-29, 2025, ended in failure due to the Myanmar Tatmadaw's demand that TNLA forces in Mogok, Momeik, Mabein, Naung Cho, Thibaw, Kyaukme, and Kutkai be withdrawn to the Palaung Self-Administered Zone.

In the current situation, the SAC should address both military and political issues simultaneously, National Democratic Force Party(NDF) Vice Chairman U Htet Aung Kyaw told CNI News.

While seeing leaders of the Northern Alliance

“What is on everyone’s mind right now is that we have to occupy as much territory as possible so that when we negotiate, the other side will agree to whatever we say. So one group is fighting hard, the other is fighting hard. We all have understood that we will have to discuss it soon. The Myanmar Tatmadaw must also take back the territories it has already lost so that it does not lose more territory. If it cannot do that, I don't know what will happen. But all of them are people who can think, why don't they do it, or why don't they tell the public what they are doing? The opposition side is doing decisively. I think that only when SAC can balance hard power and soft power will the dialogue and everything else be open again." he said.

Currently, the Arakan Army (AA) is engaged in clashes with the Myanmar Tatmadaw in Magway Region, Bago Region, and Ayeyarwady Region. 

The AA has controlled the towns of Thandwe, Gwe, Ann, Minbya, Mrauk-U, Maungdaw, Rathedaung, Buthidaung, Kyauktaw, Ponnagyun, Manaung, Pauktaw, Taung Goat, Myebon in Rakhine State.

Similarly, the TNLA has controlled Namkham, Nansang, Mantong, Namtu, Mong Ngor, Kyaukme, Naung Cho, Kutkai, Thibaw, Momeik, Mabein in northern Shan State, and Mogok in Mandalay Region. The MNDAA has controlled Theinni, Laukkai, Kon Kyan, Phaungsai, Mongko, Chin Shwe Haw, and Kutkai in northern Shan State.

In addition, the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) has controlled the towns of Somprabum, Ingyanyang, Sadon, Chipwe, Sok Law, Phimaw, Panwa, Dodphonyang, Sinbo, Myo Hla, Mansi, Kan Pyite Tee, Momauk, and the border trading town of Loije in Kachin State. The KIA-PDF has also controlled the towns of Shwe Pyi Aye, Phaungbyin, Pinlebu, and Khampat in Sagaing Region.

CNI News
5 May 2025

The National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Kaplan/Ang Mai (NSCN-K/AM) is planning to sign a preliminary ceasefire agreement (Bilateral Agreement) at the regional level, U Chin Aung, chairman of the NSCN-K/AM peacemaking committee, told CNI News.

The NSCN-K/AM group has held peace talks with the Sagaing Region government to sign the bilateral agreement and is now at the signing stage, but the process has been delayed due to the earthquake disaster.

“We are only talking positively right now. We are currently working on signing the agreement. Actually, the two sides had scheduled to sign in early 2025, but due to the earthquake disaster in Sagaing Region, the Prime Minister is unable to come, so we will have to wait a while. We have reached an agreement. We just need to sign it. We will sign it at the regional level first. After the regional level, we will sign it at the union level.” said U Chin Aung.

The Naga Self-Administered Zone in Sagaing Region, Myanmar, is one of the least developed regions in the country, and successive governments have failed to develop it.

Therefore, the NSCN-K/AM group wishes to implement peace for the development of the region.

While seeing Ang Mai, leader of the NSCN-K/AM

The Myanmar Tatmadaw/ the SAC urged the NSCN-K/AM to transform into a militia or Border Guard Force (BGF), but the NSCN-K/AM refused the urge and was adamant that it would sign the peace agreement only as a Naga armed group.

"They (the Myanmar Army/SAC) urged us to be a militia or a border guard force. But we didn't accept it. We will go from under the heading of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN). In our proposal, we will never lay down our arms. we will never be a militia. But after we reach an agreement, we will go with the NSCN (Naga National Independence Movement) as our slogan." said U Chin Aung.

He said that the NSCN-K/AM has mainly discussed regional peace and stability and regional development issues in the regional level bilateral agreement, while the territorial demarcation and other issues have been planned to be discussed at the union level.

The NSCN-K/AM is reportedly considering and discussing reviving the bilateral agreement signed on April 9, 2012 between the NSCN-K that was under U Kaplan and the Sagaing Region government .

While Chief Minister of Sagaing Region, U Myat Kyaw had arrived in Khamti, 

The Myanmar Tatmadaw and the NSCN-AM discussed a ceasefire and cooperation in security in the Naga region.in Khamti on January 26, 2024 and again on February 5, 2024 Then, in the second week of September, the Myanmar Tatmadaw and the NSCN-AM met in Monywa and held a fourth meeting in Khamti on September 27, and agreed to sign a preliminary ceasefire at the regional level.

However, due to various reasons, the ceasefire has not yet been signed to this day (May 2025), and preparations are underway to continue discussions.

On the other hand, the NSCN-K/AM group met with the Indian government in New Delhi on March 27, 2025, to discuss signing a ceasefire agreement.

CNI News

5 May 2025 

Over the decades, a growing body of evidence from books, political confessions, and military statements has established Pakistan’s deep and sustained involvement in terrorism, both regionally and globally. The Pakistani state, led by its military and intelligence agencies, has systematically nurtured extremist groups to pursue strategic goals, particularly against India. Over time, direct admissions by Pakistan’s civilian and military officials have exposed this nexus. This research note compiles critical evidence from leading books and public confessions, offering a comprehensive view of Pakistan’s state-sponsored terrorism.

Evidence from Books: Insights from Global Literature

•    In The Spy Chronicles: RAW, ISI and the Illusion of Peace, authors A.S. Dulat, Aditya Sinha, and Asad Durrani offer an unvarnished account of Pakistan’s covert strategies.  In this book Asad Durrani, the former ISI chief, discusses Pakistan's involvement in creating the Hurriyat, a separatist alliance in Kashmir, and its strategic support for terrorists like Hafiz Saeed. He acknowledges the high cost of prosecuting Saeed and reveals the shocking proximity of Osama bin Laden’s hideout to Pakistan’s military academy. “Some schadenfreude (feeling pleased with the adversary’s plight) was understandable, but after Uri and the so-called surgical strike, we realized that sitting back and doing nothing was not an option. We would inevitably get involved,” Durrani said in the book.  

•    Pakistan Under Siege by Madiha Afzal delves into Pakistan's foundational ideology, which intertwines Islamization with a deep-rooted paranoia about India. This toxic combination has led to the emergence of extremist policies, especially within the narratives, laws, and education systems of the state. Afzal critically examines how Pakistan’s military, civilian governments, and Islamist parties have turned a blind eye to or actively facilitated terrorist alliances, creating a nation where terrorism is often a by-product of policy. 

•    Pakistan: Terrorism Ground Zero by Rohan Gunaratna and Khuram Iqbal offers an alarming account of Pakistan as the epicentre of insurgency. The book exposes the links between Pakistani terrorist groups and international actors, including India and Iran. The authors argue that Pakistan is both the birthplace and the incubator of terrorism, making it an indispensable player in the global war on terror—though not in the manner it claims.  

•    Jihadism in Pakistan (Bloomsbury) draws from 114 first-hand interviews inside extremist circles, providing rare insight into how Pakistan’s intelligence agency, the ISI, knowingly fostered Al-Qaeda operatives.

It paints a chilling portrait of Pakistan as not just a safe haven, but an active collaborator with global jihadists. 

•    Terrorism Revisited edited by Paulo Casaca and Siegfried O. Wolf, documents Pakistan’s continued use of jihadist groups for diplomatic leverage. By manipulating jihadism as a tool of statecraft, Pakistan not only exacerbates regional tensions but also continues to sponsor terrorism as a means of achieving military and political objectives.

The book strongly advocates for Pakistan’s international recognition as a state sponsor of terrorism. 

•    Deadly Connections by Daniel Byman studies how states, like Pakistan, provide financial support, training, ideological motivation, and safe heavens to terror groups, turning them into powerful geopolitical tools. Byman underscores the systemic nature of this sponsorship, pointing to the military’s strategic alliances with non-state actors, which perpetuate violence both regionally and globally. 

•    Not War, Not Peace by George Perkovich and Toby Dalton focuses on how Pakistan-based terror groups present an ongoing and escalating security challenge to India. The book underscores that while Pakistan continues to espouse its commitment to combating terrorism, its cross-border terror campaigns persist as a launching pad for attacks on Indian soil. 

•    Directorate S: the C.I.A. and America's secret wars in Afghanistan and Pakistan 2001–2016 by Steve Coll reveals Pakistan’s double game in the Afghanistan war. While Pakistan cooperated with the U.S. in the fight against terrorism, it simultaneously supported the Taliban and other jihadist groups, exposing the hypocrisy at the heart of Pakistan’s foreign policy.   

•    In Pakistan: The Terrorism Womb, Sr Priya Srivastava argues that Pakistan’s identity is now irreversibly intertwined with global terrorism, becoming a nation whose very existence seems sustained through terror exports. 

•    The Islamic State in Afghanistan and Pakistan by Amira Jadoon and Andrew Mines traces the rise of the Islamic State-Khorasan (ISK) and its links to Pakistan's fractured jihadist networks. The book underscores how these alliances pose a significant challenge to regional peace and highlights Pakistan’s role in the global jihadist landscape.   

•    Terrorism in Pakistan by N. Elahi chronicles the alarming rise of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a monster born from Pakistan’s own policies, now turning against the state itself.
  
•    In The Making of Terrorism in Pakistan Historical and Social Roots of Extremism, Eamon Murphy provides crucial historical context, arguing that terrorism in Pakistan grew not solely from religious passion but also from deep political opportunism and elite power struggles. 

•    In Military Inc.: Inside Pakistan's Military Economy, Ayesha Siddiqa explains how Pakistan’s military controls large parts of the economy and how this economic power indirectly funds and supports extremist groups that align with the army’s goals. 

•    Edited by Moeed Yusuf, Pakistan's Counterterrorism Challenge offers a comprehensive and insightful analysis of Pakistan's terrorist threat and its global security implications.
 
•    Pakistan Sponsored Terrorists Vol-3 by Jayant Balaji Athavale and Durgesh Samant starkly exposes how Pakistan’s ISI has systematically funded and orchestrated terrorist operations across Kashmir and Northeast India. 

•    Pakistan: Between Mosque and Military by Husain Haqqani, Pakistan’s former ambassador to the U.S., exposes the relationships between Islamist groups and Pakistan's military while exploring the nation’s quest for identity and security. 

•    Pakistan: State Failure, Terrorism, and Insurgency in Context by Natasha Underhill highlights Pakistan’s internal contradictions: while the country positions itself as a front-line ally in the global war on terrorism, it paradoxically harbours some of the world’s most active and dangerous terrorist organizations. 

 •    Islamist Networks by Mariam Abou Zahab and Olivier Roy provides a map of the complex jihadist networks radiating from Pakistan, networks that birthed Al-Qaeda and continue spawning global threats.  

•    In Playing to the Edge, Michael Hayden, former CIA Director, sharply criticizes Pakistan's leadership for its consistent failure to confront the terrorist groups it has supported for decades. Hayden condemns Pakistan’s duplicity, particularly regarding groups like Al-Qaeda, the Taliban, Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), and the Haqqani network. He points to clear evidence linking Pakistan to the 2008 Mumbai attacks, stating that LeT operated with ISI's protection. 

•    In Pakistan's Terror Conundrum by Khaled Ahmed, the author critiques Pakistan's contradictory stance on terrorism. While the country claims to have joined the U.S. in the War on Terror post-9/11, it continues to be seen as a safe haven and breeding ground for terrorists. Ahmed highlights the gap between Pakistan's rhetoric and its actions, revealing a nation that profits from double-dealing and continues to shelter terrorist organizations despite international pressure.  

Confessions and Revelations: Pakistani Leadership’s Own Admissions

Political Leadership Admissions

•    Khawaja Muhammad Asif (2025): In a rare moment of honesty, Pakistan’s former Defence Minister admitted that Pakistan "supported terrorist groups for 30 years" and did "dirty work" for geopolitical gains. He remarked, “We have been doing this dirty work for the USA for about three decades and for the West, including Britain. That was a mistake and we suffered for that. If we had not joined the war against the Soviet Union and the war after 9/11, Pakistan’s track record was unimpeachable.”  

•    Najam Sethi (2025): Former Chief Minister of Punjab, Pakistan, and senior journalist Najam Sethi publicly admitted that Pakistan was involved in the 26/11 Mumbai Taj attack. He stated, “The Mumbai attack was carried out by an organization based in Pakistan.” 

•    Pervez Musharraf (2021): The former Pakistan President openly admitted that Pakistan trained and equipped Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operatives to wage a "proxy war" in Kashmir. He stated, "In the 1990s, the freedom struggle began in Kashmir. At that time, Lashkar-e-Taiba and 11 or 12 other organisations were formed. We supported them and trained them, as they were fighting in Kashmir at the cost of their lives." 

•    Imran Khan (2019): In an explosive admission during his U.S. tour, Pakistan’s then-Prime Minister declared that the Pakistan Army and ISI had indeed trained Al-Qaeda and jihadist groups. He said, "There were always links between Pakistan and Al-Qaeda… there had to be links… 
because they trained them."  He shockingly acknowledged that "30,000 to 40,000 terrorists" were still present in Pakistan.  Imran Khan also admitted that terror groups based in Pakistan were also involved in attacks against Iran, straining Pakistan’s relations with its western neighbour. He said: “I know Iran has suffered from terrorism by groups operating from Pakistan.” 

 •    Nawaz Sharif (2018): Pakistan’s Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has publicly acknowledged the active presence of terrorist organizations within the country. Sharif said: "Militant organisations are active in Pakistan. Call them non-state actors, should we allow them to cross the border and kill over 150 people in Mumbai? Explain it to me. Why can’t we complete the trial?"  

•    Asif Ali Zardari (2009): The former Pakistani President, Asif Ali Zardari, openly confessed that terrorists were deliberately created and nurtured by past Pakistani governments as part of a policy to achieve tactical objectives. He said: "Militants and extremists emerged on the national scene and challenged the state not because the civil bureaucracy was weakened and demoralized, but because they were deliberately created and nurtured as a policy to achieve short-term tactical objectives. Let’s be truthful and make a candid admission of this reality." Zardari further stated, "The terrorists of today were the heroes of yesteryear until 9/11 occurred and they began to haunt us as well."  

Military and Intelligence Admissions

•    Major General Asif Ghafoor (2019): As ISPR head, Ghafoor admitted the presence of terrorist groups within Pakistan and criticized past governments for their failure to curb extremism. He said that there is a need to "do a lot" to combat terrorism, as Islamabad has so far "suffered losses. We have lost millions of dollars due to terrorism." 

•    General Qamar Javed Bajwa (2018): In a speech, then Pakistan Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa openly remarked that "as far as Pakistan's government, its armed forces and its Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) are concerned, there are two kinds of terrorists, good and bad." His statement made it clear that Pakistan supports "good" terrorists against countries it considers oppressive, while portraying itself as a victim of the "bad" ones.  

•    Admiral Michael Mullen (2008): The then U.S. Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed to India that Pakistan’s military leadership admitted the 26/11 Mumbai attackers were members of Lashkar-e-Taiba. 

Foreign Office and Other Officials

•    Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zehra Baloch (2023): acknowledged that some political dissidents who sought asylum in the United Kingdom and other countries had links with terrorist entities inside Pakistan, hinting at the state's awareness and partial support of such elements. 

•    Fawad Chaudhry (2020): Then Science and Technology Minister Fawad Chaudhry admitted in Parliament that Pakistan was responsible for the Pulwama terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir in 2019, which killed 40 CRPF personnel and brought the two countries to the brink of war. He stated, "Humne Hindustan ko ghus ke maara (We hit India in their home). Our success in Pulwama, is a success of this nation under the leadership of Imran Khan. You and we are all part of that success."  

•    Mohammad Sadiq (2009): Then, a Pakistani Foreign Office spokesman admitted that Ajmal Kasab, the captured Mumbai terrorist, was indeed Pakistani, ending months of Islamabad’s denials. "It has been confirmed that Ajmal Kasab is a Pakistani national following preliminary investigations by national security agencies," said Pakistani Foreign Office spokesman Mohammad Sadiq. 

•    Rehman Malik (2009): As Interior Minister, Rehman Malik said, "The incident happened in India, and part of the conspiracy was hatched in Pakistan.”  

•    Asad Durrani (2015): On the question of Osama bin Laden's location, former Lieutenant General and ISI Chief Asad Durrani said, “I cannot say exactly what happened, but… it is quite possible that they [the ISI] did not know, but it was more probable that they did.” He doubted the official line given by Pakistan’s intelligence services, the ISI, that it was unaware of the al-Qaeda leader’s whereabouts until his death, implying that Pakistan would only have exchanged knowledge of his location in a quid-pro-quo deal. 

Admissions about Specific Terrorist Groups

•    Syed Salahuddin (2011): Then Hizbul Mujahideen chief openly declared that his group operated with full knowledge and support from Pakistan’s military establishment. He stated, "Our mujahideen can come and go at their own will. There is no question that the army can stop us. And we have hundreds of training camps in the state where we recruit and train the mujahideen."  

•    FIA (Federal Investigation Agency) Report (2012): Pakistan’s own Federal Investigation Agency confirmed that Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi, the mastermind of 26/11, and other LeT operatives used training camps in Muzaffarabad and Thatta for the Mumbai operation. 

Conclusion: Pakistan’s Terrorism Complex

Despite occasional admissions from Pakistani officials, the nation maintains a dual stance on terrorism, denying its role while facilitating terrorist activities. This research underscores how Pakistan's strategic use of terrorism for geopolitical leverage has fuelled instability in South Asia and beyond. The contradictions within Pakistan's leadership highlight a state unwilling to sever its dangerous ties with terrorism, compelling the international community to confront the reality of Pakistan as a sponsor of global terrorism.