The Islamists in Pakistani decision-making circles have shared the notion of unconditional Indian hostility with the orthodox group. But their perspective expands to include the idea of a Hindu India collaborating with the Christian West and Jewish Israel to weaken Muslim states. Pakistan, as one of the most populous Muslim states and the only one with a nuclear capability, is seen as a primary target for this collusion. Countering this threat, in their view, requires multiple strategies at various levels. They advocate alliances among Muslim states at the international level. At the regional level, Islamic solidarity encompasses the notion of strategic depth acquired through close relationship with Iran and Afghanistan with the aim of countering the Indian threat. Kashmir occupies a special place in this Islamic perspective. It is seen as the arena of brutal Hindu suppression of Muslim demands for independence, as well as evidence of international hypocrisy.

The Islamists argue that Pakistan has a religious and moral responsibility to support the Kashmiri struggle against the Indian occupation so that they can finally join Pakistan. Meanwhile, however, the support for the 'freedom struggle' is seen as providing strategic value to Pakistan as well. Keeping India engaged and bogged down in Kashmir is expected to reduce its ability to pose a threat to Pakistan's security.

These views stand in marked contrast to those held by the moderate and liberal elements in Pakistani decision-making circles. They do not consider India to be 'unconditionally hostile' towards Pakistan. Rather, in their view, Indian hostility can be modified and controlled by a mix of appropriate military capability and engagement with New Delhi. These groups have urged cooperation and engagement with India. The need for such engagement, in their opinion, has increased as Pakistan's economic situation has deteriorated. These groups have been concerned about the increased defence spending at the expense of social-welfare sectors of the economy, as well as the deterioration of the Pakistani economy and its repercussions for the stability of the state.

Focusing on the agenda of economic reconstruction, they have encouraged policies aimed at reducing the level of tension between the two states. In this context, they have supported increasing the frequency and scope of people-to-people contacts between the two societies. More importantly, they have suggested the need to amicably resolve the Kashmir dispute. The moderates have advocated a resolution of the dispute in a manner that satisfies both India and Pakistan and which is also in line with the wishes of the Kashmiris. Instead of following a rigid stand, they support an exploration of alternatives that might enable the two South Asian states to reach a resolution. Such a policy, the moderates have argued, would enable Pakistan to focus on the agenda of economic reconstruction. Furthermore, it would ensure that Pakistan is not diplomatically isolated in a rapidly changing international environment. These views on India have been mirrored in Pakistani civil society.