What is Fitna Al Hindustan? Pakistan’s term for Indian-Backed terrorism

“Fitna Al Hindustan” is a term used in Pakistan’s counterterrorism discourse to describe what it perceives as India’s involvement in supporting and sponsoring terrorism within Pakistan. This term gained prominence following a series of high-profile attacks attributed to Indian-backed proxies operating in Pakistan.

Key Events Attributed to “Fitna Al Hindustan”

Several incidents have been linked to “Fitna Al Hindustan,” reflecting the growing concerns over cross-border terrorism:

• Khuzdar School Bus Attack (May 21, 2025): A suicide car bomb targeted a military-run school bus in Khuzdar, Balochistan, resulting in the deaths of five individuals, including three children and two soldiers, with 53 others injured. Pakistani authorities quickly attributed the attack to Indian involvement, accusing India of using proxy militant groups to carry out acts of terrorism in Pakistan.

• 2018 Mastung and Bannu Bombings: Suicide bombings in Mastung and Bannu targeted political rallies, leading to the deaths of 149 and 5 individuals, respectively. The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) claimed responsibility for the Mastung attack, while Ittehad-ul-Mujahideen claimed the Bannu attack. However, some Pakistani officials suggested links to Indian-backed elements.

• 2015 Lahore Church Bombings: Suicide bombings at two churches in Lahore resulted in 15 deaths and 70 injuries. Jamaat-ul-Ahrar claimed responsibility, but Pakistani authorities later suggested that the attackers received support from India and planned the attack in Afghanistan.

• 2017 Sehwan Suicide Bombing: A suicide bombing at the shrine of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar in Sehwan, Sindh, killed at least 90 people and injured over 300. The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant – Khorasan Province claimed responsibility, but some Pakistani officials speculated about possible Indian involvement.

International Perspectives and Denials

India has consistently denied any involvement in these incidents, labeling Pakistan’s accusations as baseless and part of a recurring strategy to avoid accountability for its internal issues . The Indian government emphasizes that the attempt to mislead the international community by shifting blame would not succeed.

“Fitna Al Hindustan” encapsulates Pakistan’s narrative regarding India’s alleged role in supporting terrorism within its borders. While India denies these allegations, the term reflects the ongoing tensions and complex dynamics between the two nations. Understanding this term requires a nuanced approach, considering the perspectives and narratives of both countries.