... There has been a sharp increase in acts of terrorism in Afghanistan since the new Pakistan government assumed office in the last week of March.

NATO officers in Afghanistan have spoken of a 40 per cent rise in infiltration of jihadi terrorists since Pakistan suspended military operations against the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and entered into peace negotiations with them.

Even as acts of terrorism -- including suicide terrorism -- have increased in Afghan territory, there has been a sharp decrease in acts of suicide terrorism in Pakistani territory. This indicates that the new government has made a deal with the Taliban allowing it to operate freely in Afghanistan in return for its stepping down operations in Pakistani territory.

The increasing Indian presence in Afghanistan to assist in its economic development has been a constant source of criticism by Pakistan, which has taken up the issue repeatedly with the US and other NATO countries.

Sections of the media and religious parties in Pakistan have also been critical of the close relations of the Karzai government with India. Urdu newspapers in Pakistan had even accused India of fomenting trouble in Balochistan from covert bases in Afghan territory.

Pakistan thus has a strong motive to target Indian nationals and interests in Afghanistan through surrogate Taliban. During the last three years, there has been a steep increase in acts of suicide terrorism by the Neo-Taliban of Afghanistan headed by Mullah Mohammad Omar.