South Asia Instability have once again reached dangerous levels, with Afghan political leader Gulbuddin Hekmatyar issuing a stark warning of a possible nuclear conflict in South Asia. In a recent statement, Hekmatyar blamed India for escalating hostilities and accused it of attempting to seize Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
Nuclear-Armed Conflict Raises Stakes in Kashmir Region
He highlighted that the region had already seen three major wars and numerous skirmishes, most of them centered around Kashmir. However, this time, he stressed, both countries are nuclear-armed — making the threat unprecedented and far more dangerous.
Hekmatyar recalled India’s role in the 1971 Bangladesh war and accused it of repeated interference in neighbouring countries. He warned that India’s support for separatist movements, particularly the Baloch Liberation Movement, could lead to regional disintegration. He argued that Balochistan’s separation would not only destabilize Pakistan but also affect Iran and Afghanistan, fuelling ethnic unrest across borders.
Moreover, he claimed India has used Afghanistan’s former intelligence agency, the NDS, to run covert operations against Pakistan. According to him, India’s strategic alignment with the U.S. further emboldens its regional ambitions. He lamented that despite Pakistan’s support during the U.S. occupation of Afghanistan, Washington continues to favour India due to its rivalry with China.
The Growing Danger of Nuclear Conflict Over Kashmir
Meanwhile, Hekmatyar condemned violence against civilians on both sides, including attacks on tourists in Indian-controlled Kashmir and bombings in Pakistan. He called such acts the work of mercenaries and warned that they could drag the region into another devastating conflict.
Despite a recently announced ceasefire between India and Pakistan, Hekmatyar urged regional leaders to act responsibly. He said only justice, unity, and peace can prevent future wars.
In closing, Hekmatyar emphasized that South Asia instability threatens not just the two nations but the entire region. He urged all parties to prioritize peace over political gains and to avoid fanning the flames of war. He further called on international powers to play a neutral and constructive role in de-escalating tensions and promoting long-term regional cooperation.
