India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, has made a strong statement that is now getting global attention. He said that some of the world’s most dangerous terrorists are not hiding in caves or forests, but living openly in the big cities of Pakistan. These cities include places like Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad. According to him, these terrorists move around in public and carry out their activities in broad daylight without fear of being caught.
He spoke these words at a global security forum where leaders from many countries were present. His comments were directed not just at Pakistan, but also at the international community. India has long accused Pakistan of giving shelter to terrorists, and this statement once again brings that issue to light.
Jaishankar pointed out that even though the world is working together to fight terrorism, some countries are still giving safe shelter to the people who spread terror and violence. He warned that if such countries are not held responsible, the fight against terrorism will never succeed. This is a serious issue because it affects not just one nation, but the peace and safety of the whole world.
India has suffered greatly because of terrorist attacks. From the 2001 Indian Parliament attack to the 26/11 Mumbai attacks in 2008, India has lost thousands of innocent lives due to terrorism. Many of these attacks were planned by groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, which India says have their bases in Pakistan. Over the years, India has shared many pieces of evidence with the world, linking these groups to Pakistan.
S. Jaishankar’s statement is not new, but it comes at an important time. There is once again a rise in terror-related violence across the globe. Countries in Africa, the Middle East, and even parts of Asia are facing new threats. At this time, the idea that terrorists operate from Pakistan’s big cities is not just India’s concern, but a global security issue.
The Indian Minister named several terrorists who are believed to live in Pakistan. These include Hafiz Saeed, who is said to be the mastermind behind the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. Then there is Masood Azhar, who founded Jaish-e-Mohammed, a group involved in many attacks on Indian soldiers and civilians. Another name mentioned is Dawood Ibrahim, a gangster and terrorist who is on India’s most-wanted list. All of these individuals have been named in international reports and by agencies like the United Nations.
What is shocking is that these people are not in hiding. They have been seen at public events. Some even give speeches and are active on social media. While the UN and other international groups have put travel bans and sanctions on them, it does not stop their movement inside Pakistan. According to Jaishankar, this is proof that terrorists operate from Pakistan’s big cities with complete freedom.
Pakistan, on the other hand, continues to deny these charges. Its leaders say that Pakistan is also a victim of terrorism and has lost many lives due to terror attacks. They claim that they have taken strong steps to fight terrorism and have banned several groups. However, critics say that Pakistan only acts against some groups, while others are left untouched or are allowed to operate under different names.
India wants the world to put more pressure on Pakistan. Over the years, India has raised this issue at platforms like the United Nations, G20, BRICS, and other international forums. It has also worked with countries like the USA, France, Australia, and Israel to share intelligence and improve counter-terrorism efforts. India believes that terrorism should not be treated as someone else’s problem—it is a global issue and needs a global solution.
One of the global bodies that looked into Pakistan’s role in terrorism is the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). FATF put Pakistan on its “grey list” for not doing enough to stop money going to terrorists. Though Pakistan was removed from the list in 2022, the organization still watches its actions carefully. Many experts say that unless strong actions are taken, these terror groups will keep growing stronger.
Terrorists often choose to stay in big cities like Karachi or Lahore because it is easier to hide in a crowd. These cities offer good internet, transport, and communication networks. In smaller towns or mountains, it is harder to move around or plan big attacks. Moreover, some terror leaders are believed to get protection from powerful people, which helps them stay safe even in cities under watch.
Jaishankar’s statement is important not only because of its content but also because of its timing. With elections, global conflicts, and rising extremist violence, the world cannot ignore the problem of terrorism. When leaders like him speak out, they hope to wake up the global community. He made it clear that no country should be allowed to use terrorism as a tool for politics.
India is also asking for new global rules to fight terrorism more effectively. At the UN, India has pushed for a Global Convention Against Terrorism, which would make it easier for all countries to act together. This convention would help in sharing information, stopping terror funding, and punishing those who support terrorists.
So, what should the world do next? First, there should be stronger monitoring of countries that give shelter to terrorists. This includes using satellites, intelligence sharing, and public reports. Second, there should be stricter sanctions and punishments for people and organizations linked to terrorism. Third, the global financial system should block the flow of money to these groups by freezing bank accounts and blocking suspicious transactions.
Another step is to watch social media more closely. Terrorists use platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter to spread their message. These accounts should be taken down, and companies must work with governments to stop online radicalization.
In the end, Jaishankar’s message is not just about Pakistan—it is about global peace and safety. When terrorists live freely in cities, it means they are planning something. The world cannot afford to ignore this. Today it may affect one country, but tomorrow it could affect everyone.
His words are a wake-up call. If we truly want peace, then we must stop terrorists from finding safe places to live and operate. No matter where they are—be it in small villages or big cities—terrorists must not feel safe. That is the only way to protect the future of our world.
