Security agencies foil Indian espionage plot against Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani security foiled an alleged espionage attempt orchestrated by India’s intelligence apparatus, uncovering a plot designed to malign Pakistan’s reputation on the international stage.

According to official sources, the operation was uncovered following weeks of surveillance in Pakistan’s coastal areas. Authorities said that an Indian intelligence network recruited a Pakistani fisherman, identified as Ijaz Mallah, to procure and smuggle military uniforms and other Pakistan-made items to India.

Following the diplomatic fallout from India’s failed Operation Sindoor and subsequent international criticism, Islamabad has accused New Delhi of conducting a series of covert campaigns aimed at defaming Pakistan. Officials described the latest episode as a continuation of that “systematic propaganda effort.”

Security agencies also reported that in October 2025, during joint intelligence monitoring of deep-sea movements, they intercepted Ijaz Mallah while he was allegedly attempting to transport uniforms and other suspicious materials toward Indian waters.

Recovered items reportedly included uniforms of the Pakistan Army, Navy, and Sindh Rangers, along with equipment believed to be intended for use in a “false flag” operation.

Investigators stated that Mallah had been under observation after attempting to purchase military-related clothing and accessories from several Karachi markets.

CONFESSION AND INVESTIGATION FINDINGS

During interrogation, Mallah allegedly confessed to being coerced into espionage after being detained by the Indian Coast Guard in September 2025. He reportedly told investigators that Indian officials offered him freedom in exchange for his cooperation.

Security sources claim forensic analysis of his mobile phone revealed evidence of coordination with Indian handlers. Among the recovered digital evidence was an audio conversation in which Mallah was allegedly instructed to gather specific items, including:

• Six military uniforms (Pakistan Army, Navy, Sindh Rangers) with designated name tags: Obaid, Haider, Sohail, Idrees, Samad, and Nadeem
• Three Zong SIM cards with blank purchase invoices
• Cigarette packets, lighters, matches, and Pakistani currency notes of Rs 50 and Rs 100 denominations

Authorities said Mallah received Rs 95,000 as partial payment for sending images of the procured items, with the remaining sum promised upon delivery.

Intelligence officials in Islamabad claim the materials were to be used in a fabricated terror incident designed to implicate Pakistan in cross-border attacks ahead of the Bihar state elections in India.

“The plan appeared to involve staging a fake encounter in Gujarat’s coastal areas, possibly Kutch or Bhoj, using Pakistani military attire and locally branded goods,” said one senior intelligence source, adding that Zong SIM cards were likely included to fabricate a link between Pakistan, China, and the alleged operation.

PAKISTAN’S DIPLOMATIC RESPONSE

Pakistan’s Foreign Office has reportedly decided to share evidence of the alleged espionage attempt with “international partners and relevant institutions,” urging the global community to “recognise India’s ongoing hybrid warfare tactics.”

Officials described the incident as another example of India’s “obsession with maligning Pakistan” through fabricated narratives and covert provocations.