Pakistani security authorities have disrupted what they describe as an Indian intelligence operation aimed at orchestrating a false flag incident using Pakistani military attire and equipment.
Operation Details
Intelligence agencies apprehended a fisherman, Ijaz Mallah, in October 2025 during coastal surveillance operations. Authorities allege he was transporting military uniforms and Pakistan-manufactured items toward Indian territorial waters.
Recovered materials included uniforms from Pakistan’s Army, Navy, and Sindh Rangers, complete with specific name tags, alongside telecommunications equipment and Pakistani currency. Officials claim these items were intended for a staged security incident.
Alleged Recruitment Process
During questioning, Mallah reportedly stated that Indian Coast Guard personnel detained him in September 2025 and subsequently recruited him for intelligence activities. He allegedly received partial payment of Rs 95,000 for providing photographs of procured items, with additional compensation promised upon successful delivery.
Digital forensics reportedly uncovered communications with handlers directing him to acquire specific materials, including telecommunications SIM cards with blank purchase receipts and various denominated currency notes.
Strategic Context
Pakistani officials assert this operation represents continued efforts to damage Pakistan’s international standing following diplomatic tensions surrounding previous incidents. Intelligence sources suggest the materials were designed for use in fabricating cross-border attack evidence, potentially timed around Indian state elections.
Authorities believe the inclusion of Chinese-linked telecommunications products aimed to manufacture connections between Pakistan, China, and alleged hostile operations.
Diplomatic Implications
Pakistan’s Foreign Office plans to present evidence of the alleged operation to international partners, characterizing it as part of ongoing hybrid warfare tactics. Officials emphasized their commitment to exposing what they term systematic disinformation campaigns.
The incident adds another layer to the complex security relationship between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, with both nations frequently accusing each other of covert destabilization efforts. Pakistan maintains this represents clear evidence of coordinated attempts to undermine its global reputation through manufactured incidents.
