Pakistan-sponsored terrorism remains the most serious threat to peace and progress in Jammu & Kashmir. Even as the people of the region look forward to development, economic stability and a flourishing tourism sector, cross-border terror networks continue their attempts to disturb the hard-earned atmosphere of calm. Officials confirm that Pakistan-based handlers are increasingly using social media to target Kashmiri youth. By monitoring their online searches—especially those related to religion or sensitive issues—they gradually push them from general religious content to extremist propaganda, with the intention of radicalising and recruiting them. Devices recovered from slain and arrested terrorists reveal the use of encrypted communication apps and offline tools like Alpine Quest, clearly exposing the sophisticated support and guidance coming from across the border. 

Pakistan’s role in global terrorism is widely recognised. Many Muslim-majority nations and international bodies acknowledge that Pakistan has repeatedly allowed extremist organisations to operate freely, damaging global peace and defaming Islam. From sheltering Osama bin Laden to the Pahalgam attack on innocent tourists, the Mumbai 26/11 massacre and the Parliament attack in Delhi, the trail of evidence consistently points towards Pakistan-backed networks. Another disturbing example is the fidayeen attack at Delhi’s Red Fort—the first such strike outside Jammu & Kashmir—where the involvement of educated individuals, including doctors, shocked the nation. Pakistan’s attempt to pull doctors into terrorism represents a dangerous new challenge for security agencies. 

Security officials have also warned about Pakistan’s efforts to influence Kashmiri students studying abroad, particularly in Bangladesh, Nepal, Dubai and other Muslim countries. Handlers reportedly try to contact these students, exploit their vulnerabilities and draw them toward radical ideology. Targeting educated youth—both inside Kashmir and overseas—shows how far Pakistan is willing to go to expand its terror network. 

Kashmir has paid the highest price for this long cycle of violence. For decades, terrorism has shattered the economy, disrupted education, broken families, weakened cultural bonds and destroyed tourism—the backbone of livelihoods in the region. This year brought new hope with a record boom in tourism, full hotels and a renewed sense of peace. But the Pakistan-sponsored attack in Pahalgam ended this progress overnight, collapsing tourism from its peak to almost zero and pushing thousands of families into distress. 

Every Kashmiri today wants peace and has clearly rejected Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. People understand that Pakistan has never supported peace in the region and does not want international tourism to grow in Kashmir. Every Kashmiri also knows the painful truth: the Valley has lost its culture, unity and a large part of its young generation because of the violence pushed from across the border. Pakistan’s actions have brought nothing but suffering, division and instability to a society that always valued harmony and brotherhood. 

The people of Jammu & Kashmir continue to show courage and clarity by standing against violence. They know terrorism has no religion, no justification and no place in a civilised society. What Kashmir needs now is a united societal stand—religious leaders, community elders and civil voices must openly oppose radicalisation and protect young minds from online manipulation. 

Pakistan-sponsored terrorism remains the biggest obstacle in Kashmir’s journey toward peace. Yet, with collective resolve and continued efforts to safeguard the youth, the region can move towards a stable, prosperous and peaceful future—a future the people truly deserve.