former Pakistani Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari regarding the potential extradition of terrorists like Hafiz Saeed and Masood Azhar to India as a "confidence-building measure"

 The recent statement by former Pakistani Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari regarding the potential extradition of terrorists like Hafiz Saeed and Masood Azhar to India as a "confidence-building measure" has stirred significant debate and varying reactions.

Analysis of the Issue:

1. Will it ever happen?

The likelihood of such extraditions occurring remains highly unlikely for several reasons:

• Political Will in Pakistan: While Bilawal Bhutto, as a political leader and former foreign minister, has voiced this possibility, it appears to be more of a political statement or a diplomatic signal than a concrete policy shift. He currently holds no official government position. Pakistan's deep state, particularly its military establishment, has historically been accused of sheltering these individuals and using them as strategic assets. Any move to extradite them would require a fundamental shift in this long-standing policy, which seems improbable given the internal power dynamics. Hafiz Saeed's son, Talha Saeed, and other Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) linked groups have already condemned Bhutto's remarks as being "against state policy, national interest and sovereignty," demonstrating the strong opposition such a move would face within Pakistan.

• Legal Hurdles and Blame Game: Bilawal Bhutto himself stated that while Pakistan has prosecuted Saeed for terror financing within its borders, cross-border terrorism convictions are difficult due to alleged "non-compliance" from India in providing sufficient evidence and witnesses in Pakistani courts. India, on the other hand, maintains that it has provided extensive dossiers with credible evidence to Pakistan. This ongoing blame game over legal procedures makes extradition extremely challenging.

• Credibility and Trust Deficit: India views Pakistan's past promises and actions on terrorism with deep skepticism due to a long history of betrayals, including terror attacks even during periods of dialogue. Unless there is a demonstrable and sustained crackdown on terror infrastructure within Pakistan and a genuine commitment to dismantle these groups, India is unlikely to be swayed by mere rhetoric.

• Geopolitical Context: Bilawal's statement also comes in the context of India's recent move to put the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance, which significantly impacts Pakistan's water security. Some analysts suggest that this extradition "offer" could be a desperate attempt by Pakistan to gain leverage or diffuse international pressure.

2. Will it end terrorism in Kashmir?

Even if the extradition of Hafiz Saeed and Masood Azhar were to somehow occur, it is unlikely to single-handedly end terrorism in Kashmir. Here's why:

• Symbolic, Not Definitive: While these individuals are high-profile masterminds and symbolic figures of cross-border terrorism, their extradition would be more of a symbolic victory for India.

• Deeper Roots: Terrorism in Kashmir has deeper, multi-faceted roots, including radicalization, and a continuous supply of new recruits and logistical support from various militant networks.

• Decentralized Networks: Terrorist organizations, especially those operating across borders, often have decentralized structures. While the leaders provide direction and inspiration, the operational aspects are carried out by various cadres and cells. Removing the top leadership might disrupt operations temporarily but may not dismantle the entire network or stop the flow of new militants.

• Ideology and Sponsorship: The underlying ideology that fuels terrorism and the alleged state sponsorship from elements within Pakistan would need to be addressed comprehensively. As long as these factors persist, new leaders and groups can emerge.

• Focus on Infrastructure: Ending terrorism requires a sustained effort to dismantle the entire terror ecosystem, including training camps, financing channels, recruitment networks, and safe havens, rather than just focusing on a few prominent figures.

In conclusion, while Bilawal Bhutto's statement offers a glimmer of a different approach, the historical context, current political realities in Pakistan, and the complex nature of cross-border terrorism suggest that the extradition of these individuals is a distant possibility. Even if it were to happen, it would be a significant development but not a definitive solution to ending terrorism in Kashmir, which requires a much broader and deeper commitment to counter-terrorism efforts