Suspected RAW Agents
In a major counter-espionage breakthrough, Pakistani security forces arrested 10 alleged operatives and facilitators linked to India’s intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), in separate operations carried out across Punjab and Sindh provinces.
The arrests, confirmed by senior officials on Wednesday, mark a significant escalation in what authorities describe as a growing threat of foreign-sponsored terrorism on Pakistani soil.
In Punjab, the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) launched a carefully coordinated operation named “Operation Yalghar”, targeting a RAW-backed terror network allegedly preparing to carry out attacks in southern Punjab.
During a press conference in Lahore, Punjab Additional Inspector General Shahzada Sultan revealed that six Pakistani nationals were arrested for acting as facilitators for RAW operatives. These arrests included one RAW facilitator from Bahawalpur and two Indian spies from Bahawalnagar, all of whom were planning coordinated attacks on religious sites and public infrastructure, including mosques and railway stations.
According to Shahzada Sultan, the arrests were made possible through intelligence-led operations, and the investigators have recovered audio recordings of two Indian intelligence officers, identified as Major Ravindra and Inspector Singh, who were allegedly directing the Pakistani facilitators. It was revealed that Major Ravindra had personally delivered improvised explosive devices (IEDs) near the Pakistan-India border for planned use in terrorist activities.
The funding for these operations was reportedly channeled through cryptocurrency platforms and branchless banking services, indicating a high degree of technical sophistication.
Shahzada Sultan also linked ongoing terrorist incidents in Mianwali and Dera Ghazi Khan to cross-border financing, asserting that RAW has been actively supporting Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) elements in their anti-state activities.
While the Punjab-based cell appears to have been operating independently, officials have confirmed that no direct connection has yet been found with the RAW-linked network dismantled in Karachi the same day.
In Sindh, Karachi police, in collaboration with intelligence agencies and the Special Investigation Unit (SIU), arrested four additional suspects believed to be working directly for RAW.
Karachi SSP Shoaib Memon, in a separate press briefing, stated that the operatives were in contact with Indian Army Colonel Ranjit and had been actively sharing geotagged images and sensitive data of military installations in Pakistan. Explosives, a vehicle, and firearms were recovered from the suspects.
“These four individuals, residents of Sujawal district, had crossed into India more than 20 times,” SSP Memon disclosed, underscoring the deep-rooted nature of the espionage ring. Cases have been registered against them under charges related to anti-state activities and espionage, and further investigations are ongoing to trace the broader network.
The government of Pakistan has vowed to raise the issue on international forums to expose India’s alleged role in funding and orchestrating terrorist attacks inside Pakistan. “As a responsible state, Pakistan will take this matter to international platforms,” said Additional IG Shahzada Sultan, reaffirming Islamabad’s commitment to countering foreign-sponsored terrorism and safeguarding national sovereignty.
