Authorities in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) have detained an individual suspected of working for India’s intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), following a focused operation in Rawalakot. The suspect is believed to have been forced into espionage through an elaborate blackmail scheme conducted via social media platforms.
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Liaqat Ali Malik confirmed the arrest on Thursday, highlighting that the operation was a joint effort between local law enforcement and key state agencies aimed at dismantling an emerging intelligence network.
The recruitment began on social media, where a handler using a fake Facebook profile, reportedly based in Lahore, contacted the suspect. The police disclosed that the agency employed malicious software to invade the target’s privacy, capturing compromising videos and private conversations to exert pressure.
Initially, the suspect was given minor tasks to build trust and compliance, but these assignments rapidly intensified. Eventually, the individual was instructed to geotag sensitive sites and provide exact coordinates, as well as record footage of military bases, educational institutions, bridges, and government offices throughout AJK and other parts of Pakistan.
IGP Malik praised the security forces for their proactive measures in uncovering a network designed to ensnare vulnerable youth and disrupt national security and infrastructure. This arrest adds to a series of similar actions by Pakistani authorities alleging foreign interference.
In December, the Punjab Counter Terrorism Department apprehended 12 suspects linked to RAW, while an August operation uncovered a network involved in targeted killings in Sindh. These developments coincide with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent accusations against New Delhi for using proxies to foment unrest.
Speaking to the media, the IGP reiterated the police’s dedication to safeguarding the “holy land” and pledged to take all necessary steps to prevent hostile forces from undermining regional stability.
