India’s clandestine operations in Pakistan have always been a de rigour excuse for most of Pakistan’s problems, and the recent capture of Kulbhushan Yadev would only serve to further heighten this state of perpetual paranoia. While India’s outright rejection of Yadev’s links with RAW were predictably forthcoming, nevertheless, his confessional statement has lent the Pakistani case considerable credence. Amidst the increased securitisation narrative that this development is fuelling, it is pertinent to see the issue in light of the broader structural deficiencies that provide fertile ground for these actors to thrive on. Indeed it will be naïve to believe that Pakistan is not a victim of subversive activities sponsored by its neighbour, but increased emphasis on it is akin to addressing the symptom rather than the cause. The immediate imperative for Pakistan is to confront the myriad issues that it is facing without shying away from their manifold dimensions. The issue of regional inequity is one that resonates deeply with most Pakistanis and it has been a formidable impediment against effective nation-building. The issue is further aggravated by constant denial of domestic factors at play altogether. It is for this reason that emphasising the external without addressing the internal would be counterproductive. While there is much diplomatic capital to be gained from Yadev’s arrest, it would not bode well for Pakistan to let it overwhelm the public discourse. Instead, owning up to the issues born out of historic deprivation would go a long way in allaying the fears of most impoverished Pakistanis. Moreover, such a multifaceted approach would further strengthen Pakistan’s image as a state that is scrupulously endeavouring to correct its past mistakes. If nothing else, it would at least provide Pakistan with a better moral standing to fight its case on the international stage. The dominant narrative of perpetual victimisation has not only provided the pretext for evading responsibility, but it has also stifled meaningful debate. Amidst the loud cries of the state under siege, saner voices calling for a nuanced approach have often gotten drowned out. This carries even greater relevance on the international stage as overt accusations on Pakistan’s part usually fall on deaf ears. This further harms Pakistan’s credibility as a state that is not taken seriously. Yadev’s capture is surely an admirable achievement on the part of our security agencies, but, gaining the most out of it diplomatically would involve tact and subtlety. If past follies are any indication, Pakistan could weaken its international case by pressing the issue of Indian involvement at every available opportunity. We don’t have to look very far, as Pakistan’s mishandling of the much-justified Kashmir cause bears testimony to this view. Many opportunities were lost as the Pakistani state intransigently forced the Kashmir issue on many platforms, alienating many potential allies in the process. Keeping this in mind, Pakistan should avoid blatant accusations towards its allies, especially Iran, if it is to walk on the tenuous line successfully. Much to Pakistan’s chagrin, the response of Iranian embassy over the irresponsible accusations on the part of the media lends credence to the precariousness of the two countries’ relationship. More importantly, the brazen accusations that are afloat in Pakistan over the alleged ‘India-Iran’ nexus need to be countered by the media if the relationship with Iran is to remain amiable. Meanwhile, the Iranian President’s visit has opened up a new chapter of cooperation between the two states. The potential integration of Pakistan-Iran projects into the much larger China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has great promise for all three countries. Hence, Pakistan should refrain from endangering its relationship with Iran as it holds greats promise for the future development of Pakistan. *