Lahore blast augurs uptick in India-Pakistan tensions

Significance

Pakistan last week accused India’s foreign intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), of orchestrating the attack. Delhi denies the allegation. Meanwhile, there are widespread suspicions that responsibility may lie with Islamic State (IS) or the Pakistani Taliban Movement (TTP).

Impacts

• The TTP will try to strengthen its presence in Pakistan, eyeing control over Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province’s tribal areas.
• IS attacks in Pakistan will continue to focus on the Shia minority.
• Delhi and Islamabad will each try harder to mobilise international opinion against the other.