HOW TERROR INFRASTRUCTURE IN PoJK CONTINUES TO THREATEN REGIONAL PEACE

For several decades Pakistan has remained at the centre of international discussions on cross-border terrorism due to repeated allegations that terrorist organisations have been able to operate recruit train and plan attacks from its territory and from Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). While Pakistan has consistently denied supporting terrorism and has stated that it is committed to countering extremist violence security agencies and independent analysts have repeatedly expressed concern over the continued presence of militant infrastructure in areas under Pakistani control. These concerns have been reinforced by numerous reports over the years that describe PoJK as a sanctuary where terrorist organisations regroup train and prepare operatives before attempting infiltration across the Line of Control (LoC). Such allegations have contributed to Pakistan's reputation as a major source of regional instability and have complicated efforts to achieve lasting peace in South Asia.

The recent circulation of visuals on social media has once again brought international attention to these longstanding concerns. According to claims widely shared online Saifullah Khalid Kasuri identified by Indian authorities as one of the alleged masterminds behind the Pahalgam terror attack was reportedly seen practicing with a firearm while aboard a motorboat at Mangla Dam in Mirpur Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Although these visuals have not been independently verified they have generated significant debate because they appear to suggest that individuals accused of orchestrating acts of terrorism continue to move freely inside Pakistani-controlled territory. The reports have also revived earlier allegations that the same location had previously been used for specialised militant training involving members of the banned terrorist organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) including swimming scuba-diving and other water-based exercises intended to expand operational capabilities.

Mangla Dam has long been recognised as one of Pakistan's most significant water reservoirs and hydroelectric projects. However in recent years it has also attracted attention from security observers who have alleged that its vast water body and surrounding landscape have occasionally been misused for clandestine militant training. If the latest reports are confirmed through independent investigation they could indicate that terrorist organisations are attempting to diversify their operational methods by incorporating water-based movement and weapons handling into their training programmes. Such capabilities would represent an evolution beyond traditional mountain warfare and infiltration techniques that have historically characterised cross-border militant operations in Jammu and Kashmir.

Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir has frequently been identified by Indian security agencies as a region where several terrorist organisations have maintained infrastructure over many years. Groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba Jaish-e-Mohammed and Hizbul Mujahideen have repeatedly been accused of operating recruitment centres ideological indoctrination facilities weapons training camps communication hubs and logistical support networks within PoJK. These organisations have been linked to numerous acts of violence targeting civilians and security personnel in Jammu and Kashmir. Although Pakistan maintains that it has taken substantial measures against terrorism questions continue to be raised internationally regarding the effectiveness of those actions and the continued visibility of individuals associated with designated terrorist groups.

The Pahalgam terror attack once again demonstrated the devastating impact of cross-border terrorism on innocent civilians and regional security. Indian investigative agencies have identified several individuals who are alleged to have played key roles in planning and facilitating the attack with Saifullah Khalid Kasuri being named among the principal conspirators. The emergence of alleged visuals showing him in PoJK has therefore intensified concerns regarding the existence of safe havens where wanted terrorists may continue to operate without fear of immediate prosecution. Although the authenticity of these reports remains subject to verification they have once again highlighted broader questions surrounding accountability and the dismantling of terrorist infrastructure.

Pakistan's association with internationally designated terrorist organisations has been a matter of global concern for many years. One of the most significant examples was the discovery of Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden in Abbottabad in 2011 where he had reportedly lived for several years before being killed during a United States military operation. The fact that one of the world's most wanted terrorists was found living near a prominent Pakistani military academy raised difficult questions within the international community regarding the effectiveness of Pakistan's counter-terrorism mechanisms and oversight. Similarly Lashkar-e-Taiba the organisation widely held responsible for the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks has remained under international sanctions while concerns have persisted regarding the continued existence of networks linked to the group. Jaish-e-Mohammed has likewise been associated with several high-profile attacks including the 2019 Pulwama attack reinforcing global calls for stronger action against extremist organisations operating from Pakistani soil.

The continued existence of terrorist training camps presents a significant challenge for regional security because organised militancy depends heavily upon structured infrastructure. Training facilities provide recruits with instruction in weapons handling explosives survival techniques communication methods intelligence gathering navigation and psychological indoctrination. Such camps enable terrorist organisations to maintain operational readiness and continuously replenish their ranks with newly trained militants. Security experts have consistently argued that dismantling these facilities is among the most effective measures for weakening terrorist networks and preventing future attacks.

Reports concerning alleged water-based training at Mangla Dam have introduced an additional dimension to the evolving nature of terrorist tactics. While militant organisations have traditionally focused on mountain warfare jungle survival and urban combat specialised aquatic training could potentially provide them with enhanced capabilities involving river crossings reservoir navigation covert movement by boat and underwater operations. Although the scale and extent of such alleged activities remain uncertain any credible evidence of these developments would warrant close attention from counter-terrorism agencies because they could indicate efforts to broaden operational capabilities.

The international community has repeatedly urged Pakistan to eliminate terrorist safe havens and dismantle the financial and logistical networks that sustain extremist organisations. Pakistan's previous placement on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Grey List highlighted international concerns regarding terror financing and money laundering controls. Over the years global institutions have consistently emphasised that genuine progress against terrorism requires not only financial oversight but also decisive legal action against terrorist leaders recruiters facilitators and organisations that continue to promote extremist violence.

Cross-border terrorism has imposed immense costs on Jammu and Kashmir affecting the lives of countless civilians while also disrupting economic development tourism education and investment. Repeated attacks have caused tragic loss of life inflicted psychological trauma upon communities and placed tremendous pressure on security forces tasked with protecting the region. Despite these challenges Jammu and Kashmir has continued to witness improvements in infrastructure connectivity education healthcare and tourism reflecting sustained efforts to promote stability and inclusive development. These achievements demonstrate the resilience of the people of the region despite repeated attempts by terrorist organisations to undermine peace.

The fight against terrorism ultimately requires sustained international cooperation intelligence sharing financial monitoring diplomatic engagement and strict enforcement of international law. Terrorism is a transnational threat that does not recognise borders making collective action essential for dismantling extremist networks and preventing future attacks. Countries across the world continue to emphasise that no nation should permit its territory to be used for planning financing training or supporting acts of terrorism against another country.

The recent allegations concerning the reported presence of Saifullah Khalid Kasuri at Mangla Dam have once again drawn attention to longstanding concerns about militant infrastructure in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. While these specific claims remain subject to independent verification they reinforce broader security concerns that have been expressed for many years regarding the continued existence of terrorist networks operating from Pakistani territory. Achieving lasting peace in South Asia will require determined action against all forms of terrorism the elimination of safe havens for internationally designated terrorist organisations and a sustained commitment by all stakeholders to uphold international norms against violent extremism. Only through accountability cooperation and unwavering opposition to terrorism can the region move towards enduring peace stability and prosperity.