ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s security agencies say they have thwarted an alleged espionage attempt orchestrated by an Indian intelligence network that aimed to smuggle Pakistani military uniforms, identity insignia, and related items into India using a local fisherman as an operative.
According to an official statement issued by Pakistan’s security and intelligence apparatus, the plot was uncovered following sustained maritime surveillance and intelligence monitoring. Investigators had been observing a fisherman, identified as Ijaz Mallah, who had been making unusual inquiries at various shops for military-grade items.
Authorities said Mallah was apprehended in early October 2025, moments before setting sail toward Indian waters with a consignment of military and civilian supplies allegedly meant for his handlers across the border.
Recovered Material
Investigators confirmed that a range of sensitive items were seized from the suspect’s possession and later verified through forensic analysis of his phone and purchase records. These included:
Several military uniforms resembling those used by the Pakistan Army, Navy, and Sindh Rangers.
Name patches bearing the labels “Obaid,” “Haider,” “Sohail,” “Idris,” “Samad,” and “Nadeem.”
Three Zong mobile SIM cards, each bought with blank invoices traced to Karachi.
Packs of cigarettes, matches, and a lighter.
Pakistani currency notes in denominations of Rs100 and Rs50.
Photographic evidence of the purchased materials allegedly shared with Indian handlers.
Officials said Mallah had received PKR 95,000 after transmitting photographs of the collected items, with further payment promised upon successful delivery to India.
The Suspect’s Confession
During interrogation, Mallah claimed he was a poor deep-sea fisherman who was detained by India’s Coast Guard in September 2025 while fishing in international waters. He was allegedly taken to an undisclosed location, where Indian intelligence officials warned him of potential imprisonment for up to three years.
According to investigators, the officers then offered him release and monetary reward in exchange for cooperation. They reportedly instructed him to return to Pakistan, collect specific items, and smuggle them back across the border.
Ijaz Mallah confessed that he gathered the requested supplies from various shops in Karachi and communicated progress via voice chats and photographs sent to his handlers. Pakistani agencies claim to have intercepted these communications, which they say validate the details of his statement.
Possible “False Flag” Scenario
Pakistani officials believe the smuggled items were intended for a false-flag operation on Indian territory — a staged incident that could be falsely attributed to Pakistan.
Briefing the media, security officials outlined several possible motives and scenarios:
The uniforms and identity badges could have been used to stage fake arrests or militant activity involving individuals posing as Pakistani soldiers.
Cigarettes, currency notes, and lighters were likely intended as “trace evidence” to implicate Pakistan in the aftermath of such incidents.
The Zong SIM cards could have been used to falsely link communication or funding channels to Chinese sources.
Analysts identified Gujarat’s coastal belt, including Bhuj and Kutch, as potential staging grounds, possibly timed with India’s upcoming state elections or nearby military exercises.
Officials linked this alleged conspiracy to a broader campaign to tarnish Pakistan’s image internationally — particularly in the wake of what they described as India’s setback in the failed “Operation Sundor.”
Government Response and Investigation
A spokesperson for Pakistan’s intelligence community said that all physical and digital evidence has been catalogued and will be shared with the country’s international partners and allies. The suspect remains in custody as a joint investigation continues to trace potential collaborators inside Pakistan and across the border.
Authorities have heightened maritime and intelligence surveillance in response, vowing to thwart any future attempts to use Pakistani nationals or materials for hostile propaganda purposes.
“We are presenting irrefutable evidence to our international partners to expose the malicious intent behind this operation,” an official said.
No Indian Response Yet
As of now, Indian authorities have not issued any comment or confirmation regarding the allegations.
Pakistani officials maintain that the case demonstrates India’s “desperation” to fabricate narratives linking Pakistan to terrorism ahead of domestic political events.
