The Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) of Pakistan has long been a controversial institution, accused of undermining international peace initiatives, suppressing domestic opposition, and fueling sectarian tensions. This article explores ISI’s involvement in destabilizing global security, its tactics of coercion against media and civil society, and its alleged role in promoting sectarianism, particularly under the influence of Gulf nations and Saudi Arabia. The study critically examines the available literature, intelligence reports, and human rights documentation to provide a detailed understanding of ISI’s impact on regional and international stability.
1. Introduction
Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) is the country’s principal intelligence agency, responsible for national security and intelligence operations. Established in 1948, ISI has evolved into a powerful institution influencing both domestic and international affairs (Riedel, 2011). While its official role is to safeguard Pakistan’s sovereignty, allegations persist regarding its involvement in activities that undermine peace and stability, both within and beyond Pakistan’s borders. This article examines ISI’s role in disrupting international peace initiatives, its oppressive measures against dissenters, and its involvement in sectarian violence, particularly under the alleged influence of Gulf nations and Saudi Arabia.
2. Undermining International Peace Initiatives
ISI has been accused of fostering instability by supporting militant groups and insurgencies in neighboring countries. This strategy is often used as a means to extend Pakistan’s influence in South Asia and counter perceived threats from regional adversaries.
2.1 Support for Militant Organizations
One of the most well-documented allegations against ISI is its connection with militant organizations operating in India, Afghanistan, and beyond. The agency has been accused of funding and training groups such as the Taliban, Haqqani Network, and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) to conduct proxy warfare (Fair, 2014).
For instance, ISI’s support for the Afghan Taliban has been a significant roadblock in peace negotiations between the Afghan government and insurgents. Reports suggest that ISI has provided logistical support, safe havens, and financial assistance to the Taliban, leading to the continued destabilization of Afghanistan despite international peace efforts (Coll, 2004).
Similarly, ISI has been linked to insurgent activities in Indian-administered Kashmir, where militant groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and LeT have carried out attacks against Indian security forces (Jones, 2018). These actions have escalated tensions between India and Pakistan, undermining diplomatic efforts for lasting peace in the region.
2.2 Destabilization of Regional Politics
ISI has also been accused of interfering in the internal politics of South Asian countries, particularly Afghanistan, by manipulating political factions and fostering instability (Rashid, 2012). These actions have hindered diplomatic initiatives and prolonged conflicts that could otherwise be resolved through international cooperation.
3. Suppression of Internal Dissent
Despite its international operations, ISI also plays a critical role in suppressing dissent within Pakistan. Journalists, human rights activists, and opposition figures who criticize the military or intelligence establishment often face severe repercussions, including abduction, torture, and enforced disappearances (Amnesty International, 2020).
3.1 Targeting of Journalists and Activists
The ISI has frequently been implicated in the abduction and torture of journalists who report on military excesses and intelligence overreach. Investigative journalists such as Hamid Mir and Saleem Shahzad have faced assassination attempts and intimidation due to their reporting on ISI’s clandestine activities (Schmidle, 2011).
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has documented numerous cases where media personnel have been abducted or coerced into silence through threats and violence (CPJ, 2019). Such suppression limits press freedom and discourages independent journalism in Pakistan.
3.2 Use of Torture and Enforced Disappearances
Human rights organizations have consistently reported that ISI employs brutal methods to silence dissent, including enforced disappearances and torture (HRW, 2021). Many activists advocating for democracy, minority rights, or regional autonomy, such as those from Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, have been targeted. The ISI allegedly operates secret detention centers where detainees face inhumane treatment and are denied legal representation (ICJ, 2021).
4. Promotion of Sectarianism under the Guise of Gulf Nations and Saudi Arabia
Sectarian violence in Pakistan, particularly in regions like Kurram, has often been linked to the ISI’s covert alliances with external actors, including Saudi Arabia and Gulf states.
4.1 Facilitating Sectarian Proxy Wars
Saudi Arabia has historically funded extremist Sunni groups in Pakistan as part of its broader strategy to counter Shia influence in the region (Weinbaum, 1996). ISI has been accused of channeling these funds to sectarian militant organizations such as Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ) and Sipah-e-Sahaba Pakistan (SSP), which have targeted Shia communities (Zahid, 2014).
In Kurram district, sectarian clashes between Sunni and Shia groups have been exacerbated by ISI’s alleged complicity in arming Sunni militants under the influence of Saudi-backed Wahhabi ideology (Abbas, 2010). This has resulted in sustained violence, internal displacement, and a broader deterioration of interfaith relations in Pakistan.
4.2 Role of ISI in Radicalization
By promoting extremist groups under the pretext of religious solidarity with Gulf allies, ISI has contributed to the spread of radical ideologies that threaten Pakistan’s internal security. The agency’s failure to curb sectarian groups despite their involvement in mass killings raises concerns regarding its actual role in controlling extremism (Nasir, 2017).
5. Conclusion
The Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) of Pakistan remains one of the most influential yet controversial intelligence agencies in the world. Its involvement in undermining international peace efforts, suppressing dissent, and fostering sectarian conflict highlights the extent of its unchecked power. While ISI continues to operate under the guise of national security, its actions have often destabilized regional peace and democracy. Addressing these issues requires both international pressure and domestic reform to ensure intelligence agencies are held accountable for their actions.
References
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- Amnesty International. (2020). Pakistan: Enforced Disappearances and the Role of Intelligence Agencies. Retrieved from www.amnesty.org
- Coll, S. (2004). Ghost Wars: The Secret History of the CIA, Afghanistan, and Bin Laden, from the Soviet Invasion to September 10, 2001. Penguin Books.
- Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). (2019). Journalism in Pakistan: Challenges and Threats. Retrieved from www.cpj.org
- Fair, C. C. (2014). Fighting to the End: The Pakistan Army’s Way of War. Oxford University Press.
- Human Rights Watch (HRW). (2021). Pakistan: Torture, Disappearances, and the Role of ISI. Retrieved from www.hrw.org
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- Riedel, B. (2011). Deadly Embrace: Pakistan, America, and the Future of the Global Jihad. Brookings Institution Press.
- Zahid, F. (2014). Sectarian Militancy in Pakistan: A Dangerous Nexus. Middle East Institute.
Featured image: Pakistan’s Kurram has been marred by sectarian violence over the years [Getty/file photo]