On May 31, 2025, Pakistan’s federal government officially labelled all terrorist groups operating in Balochistan as Fitna al Hindustan, accusing India of orchestrating a proxy war through these outfits.
The Ministry of Interior’s notification stated that the designation reflects the group’s “nefarious designs” and their threat to Pakistan’s sovereignty, Islamic faith, and traditions, marking a significant escalation in the rhetoric of the Pakistan-India proxy war.
The notification, effective immediately, directs all government entities to adopt the Fitna al Hindustan label, aiming to reframe the narrative around Balochistan’s insurgent violence. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif accused India of intensifying “indirect aggression” following its alleged defeat in Pakistan’s Marka-e-Haq operation, asserting, “Pakistan will thwart all such nefarious designs,” as reported by The Express Tribune.
The government has decided that all terrorist groups and organizations operating in Balochistan will be referred to as "Fitna-al-Hindustan"@MOIofficialGoP @GovtofPakistan https://t.co/uUjRQ3sPgX pic.twitter.com/H7M7d2ocqP
— Radio Pakistan (@RadioPakistan) May 31, 2025The move mirrors last year’s redesignation of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) as Fitna al-Khawarij to highlight ideological misrepresentation.
Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir emphasised that “these terrorists are not Baloch, but agents of disruption sponsored by India,” during a recent address. His comments align with Pakistan’s allegations of external involvement in Balochistan terrorism, particularly following recent clashes, including India’s alleged airstrikes in May 2025. Munir’s position reflects Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s call to counter what he describes as India’s proxy campaign.
The terrorist designation Pakistan follows heightened tensions post-Pahalgam attack, where India blamed Pakistan without evidence, leading to airstrikes and Pakistan’s downing of Indian jets. A U.S.-brokered ceasefire on May 10 paused hostilities, but Pakistan’s new label signals ongoing friction. Per Reuters, the designation aims to unify national sentiment against perceived foreign threats, though India denies involvement.
