ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s security forces have apprehended a fisherman allegedly involved in espionage on behalf of Indian intelligence agencies, Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar revealed on Saturday.
During a joint press conference with Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, Tarar identified the suspect as Ijaz Mallah, a resident of Shah Bandar in Sindh’s Thatta district. He said Mallah had been under close observation by Pakistani intelligence agencies before his eventual arrest.
According to Tarar, Mallah’s involvement began after he was detained by the Indian Coast Guard in September while fishing in international waters. “He was taken into custody, interrogated, and coerced into working for Indian intelligence,” Tarar stated. “They threatened him with imprisonment and enticed him with money and gifts in exchange for his cooperation.”
Upon being released, Mallah was allegedly directed to collect Pakistani military and civilian materials including Army, Navy, and Rangers uniforms, local SIM cards, currency notes, and everyday items like cigarettes and lighters — and deliver them to Indian handlers.
The minister explained that Pakistani intelligence agencies kept Mallah under surveillance as he attempted to gather these items. “He was captured while trying to cross back into India with the materials,” Tarar said.
Authorities also released a video confession in which Mallah admitted to complying with the Indian agency’s demands out of fear and financial temptation. He claimed that an Indian operative, identified as Ashok Kumar, had instructed him to procure specific SIM cards and bills, along with other Pakistani goods, for use in covert operations.
Tarar hailed the arrest as a significant intelligence breakthrough, asserting that it demonstrated Pakistan’s ability to expose and foil subversive plots. He hinted that the incident might be connected to ongoing Indian naval exercises near the Gujarat and Kutch coasts, suggesting a coordinated attempt to create propaganda against Pakistan.
“This operation reveals yet another facet of India’s hybrid warfare strategy,” Tarar remarked. “After the exposure of agent Kulbhushan Yadav in 2016, Indian intelligence has turned to civilians such as fishermen to conceal its espionage efforts.”
Interior Minister of State Talal Chaudhry added that recovered evidence, including military-style uniforms and accessories, confirmed the intent to manufacture narratives implicating Pakistan.
Concluding the briefing, Tarar reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to national security: “Our intelligence and law enforcement agencies remain fully vigilant. This arrest underscores their dedication and capability to neutralize any threat to Pakistan’s integrity.”
