Latest news with #Ex-Pakistan
NDTV
2 days ago
- Politics
- NDTV
Ex-Pakistan Cop Mastermind Of Cross-Border Spy Ring, Says Arrested YouTuber
New Delhi: Ex-Pakistan Cop Mastermind Of Cross-Border Spy Ring, Says Arrested YouTuber A former sub-inspector from the Pakistan Police ranks was among the masterminds of a cross-border espionage racket, which various Indians have been found to be a part of. Punjab YouTuber Jasbir Singh, who was arrested earlier this week for allegedly spying for Pakistan, disclosed during interrogation that the former cop Nasir Dhillon had introduced him to Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) officials in Lahore. He had also arranged Jasbir Singh's meeting with ISI operative Danish in Pakistan. Nasir Dhillon, who is now a YouTuber, used to connect Indian social media personalities with ISI operative Danish alias Ehsan-ur-Rehman, who worked as a visa officer in the Pakistani embassy in Delhi. Danish was expelled from India in May, after travel vlogger Jyoti Malhotra was exposed for spying for the country with whom ties have plummeted since the April 22 Pahalgam attack and May 7 Operation Sindoor strikes. Both Jasbir Singh and Nasir Dhillon know Jyoti Malhotra, who runs the travel YouTube account 'Travel With Jo', and was among the first of spies in the alleged Islamabad-run espionage ring to be arrested. Further, police have found that Danish used to call the spies as guests to the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi and assign tasks. Security agencies also suspect that hundreds of former police personnel of Pakistan Police are part of the espionage racket, which targets Indian YouTubers. Jasbir Singh, who runs a YouTube channel named 'JaanMahal video' and has over a million subscribers, was arrested on Wednesday for allegedly passing on information on Indian forces' movement to the ISI. He was allegedly in contact with an ISI officer named Shakir, alias Jutt Randhawa, who was part of a terror-backed spying network, said Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav. He had visited Pakistan thrice, and several Pakistani numbers were found on his devices, which are now under forensic probe. He had also attended the Pakistan National Day program held at the Pakistani Embassy in Delhi on Danish's invitation. After Jyoti Malhotra's arrest, Jasbir Singh tried to erase the traces of his communications with Pakistani officials to avoid detection, said DGP Yadav. Others facing spying charges include a student from Patiala's Khalsa College, Davendra Singh Dhillon. The 25-year-old was arrested in Haryana after he uploaded photos of a pistol on Facebook, and his Pakistan links emerged during his questioning. Nauman Ilahi, a 24-year-old security guard in Haryana, was found to be in touch with an ISI handler in Pakistan, and used to receive money in the account of his brother-in-law. A 28-year-old health worker from Gujarat Sahdev Singh Gohil was arrested for transmitting sensitive information related to Indian military infrastructure to a Pakistani operative. Arman, 23, and Tarif, both from Haryana's Nuh district, were arrested within days of each other. Tarif was caught trying to delete chats with Pakistani numbers when police arrived at his residence. Shakur Khan, a Rajasthan government employee from Jaisalmer, was also arrested on spying charges.
News18
08-05-2025
- Politics
- News18
politics news
Page 2 'Modi Ji Has Promised…': Like PM, Pawan Kalyan Switches To English Mid-Speech In Pahalgam Message 'Chun Chun Ke': Decoding PM Modi, Amit Shah's Communication Strategy On Pahalgam PM Modi Says 'Many Will Lose Sleep' As CM Vijayan, Shashi Tharoor Share Stage At Kerala Event Caste Census: Siddaramaiah Says Centre Imitating Congress Playbook, BJP Hits Back 'Despite Delays': Shashi Tharoor Receives PM Modi 'On Time', Jabs 'Dysfunctional' Delhi Airport How NDA Govt's Caste Census Call Shakes Up Politics Of Bihar, UP 'Move In And Stay There': Owaisi's Message To Govt On Pahalgam Response Against Pakistan 'Historic Stride': Kamal Haasan Welcomes Centre's Big Move On Caste Census, Says 'But Only If...' Deflating RaGa's Key Weapon Before Bihar Polls Or U-Turn? Decoding BJP's Nod For Caste Census 'No One Can Oppose God': Dilip Ghosh Visits Jagannath Dham In Digha, Sparks Displeasure Within BJP Rahul Gandhi Claims Caste Census Conquest, But What Is His Next Move? 'Stop Taking Credit': BJP Slams Rahul Gandhi Over Caste Census, Cites Amit Shah's Remarks From 2024 Rahul Gandhi Welcomes Centre's Caste Census Move, Says He's Committed To Remove 50% Reservation Cap Nitish Kumar, Chirag Paswan Thank PM Modi For Caste Data Move; Tejashwi Yadav Claims Victory 'Surveys Used As Political Tool': Why Modi Govt Decided To Include Caste Data In Census 'Better Late Than Never': Political Leaders React To Centre's Big Move To Include Caste Census 'They Had To Yield': Congress Claims Credit After Centre's Caste Survey Move In Census Navjot Singh Sidhu Embarks On New Journey: 'Life Isn't Instant Politics' Congress' PM Modi Post 'Gayab' From Social Media: Did Party Just Draw The Line For Supriya Shrinate? Pahalgam Attack Casts Shadow Over J&K Panchayat Polls, Election Prep On Hold Amid Security Alert 'Where Is He Missing': Farooq Abdullah Backs PM, Rejects Congress' 'Gayab' Jibe After Pahalgam Attack Rahul Gandhi, Mallikaarjun Kharge and KC Venugopal had a word after that GAG order was issued Why Mohan Bhagwat's Rare Meeting With PM Modi Was Not Just A Courtesy Visit Congress Deletes 'Gayab' Post Targeting PM Modi, Warns Leaders Aganist Defying Party Line Amid Backlash 'Gayab' To Gaffes On Pahalgam Response: Congress's Tragedy Of Errors Continues 'Many Affected Are Women': Mehbooba Mufti Urges Centre To Reconsider Deporting Pakistanis Married To Indians Congress Minister's PM Modi 'Using Pahalgam Attack For Bihar Elections' Remark Draws Sharp Rebuttal From BJP 'Supporting Pakistan...': Congress's 'Gayab' Jibe At PM Modi Makes Unity Mask Vanish In Massive Row The Congress Is Wrong: PM Modi Is Not 'Gayab', He Is Planning To Avenge Pahalgam From Unity To Discord: Week After Pahalgam Attack, Congress Struggles With Its Leaders' Controversial Remarks 'Action, Reaction': Congress' Pahalgam Post Against PM Modi Gets Ex-Pakistan Minister's Thumbs-Up, BJP Livid Ramayana, Mahabharat & 1962 War: How Bhagwat Stitched History With Scriptures To Seek 'Wise Retaliation' 2010 CWG 'Scam': Court Accepts ED's Closure Report In Case Against Suresh Kalmadi More Videos More Photogalleries
Time of India
05-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Pahalgam terror attack: Steps India has taken to batter Pakistan since April 22
PTI photo NEW DELHI: Brutal killings of 26 civilians by Pakistani terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam have sharply escalated the tensions between India and Pakistan. Ex-Pakistan President Zia-ul-Haq's infamous and atrocious call to "bleed India with a thousand cuts" now seems to have boomeranged, with the central government taking big decisions and exploring key ways to punish Islamabad for orchestrating cross-border terrorism. Pakistan's covert military strategy to weaken India through sustained proxy warfare, especially by supporting insurgencies and terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, now seems to have taken a massive hit. Just hours after the bloody attack, PM Modi cut short his Saudi Arabia visit and returned to India before chairing several key meetings with Union home minister Amit Shah, defence minister Rajnath Singh, NSA Ajit Doval and external affairs minister S Jaishankar. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Fastest Selling Plots of Mysore from 40L | 40+ Amenities PurpleBrick Learn More Undo Just a day after the attack, PM Modi held a high-level Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting, after which several big decisions were taken. The government, every day since April 22, has taken measures to push back against terrorism and its backers as India prepares to deliver a decisive blow to Islamabad's nefarious endeavours. In the most recent move, the MHA on Monday ordered the states to conduct civil defence mock drills. List of govt decisions against Pakistan post Pahalgam attack Indus Waters Treaty suspended India suspended the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, a key water-sharing agreement mediated by the World Bank, which governs the distribution of the Indus River system. This strategic move halted cooperation on river water management, signalling a shift in India's approach to bilateral agreements with Pakistan. The move is seen as a direct diplomatic pressure following the Pahalgam terror attack. Closure of the Wagah-Attari Border The Wagah-Attari border crossing, a major point for trade and civilian transit between India and Pakistan, has been closed indefinitely. The ceremonial Beating Retreat parade has also been suspended. The closure is meant to isolate Pakistan further and reassert India's unwillingness to continue routine engagement in the face of terrorism. Downgrading diplomatic ties India formally downgraded diplomatic relations with Pakistan, significantly reducing the level of official engagement between the two countries. This includes recalling Indian diplomats, expelling senior Pakistani diplomats, and freezing diplomatic outreach. Declaring Pakistani military diplomats as persona non grata In a rare move, India declared several Pakistani military diplomats and intelligence officials persona non grata. They have been accused of engaging in activities incompatible with diplomatic status, including espionage. Revoking existing visas for Pakistani nationals, including Saarc visas India has revoked all currently valid visas issued to Pakistani nationals, including those under the Saarc framework, citing national security concerns. The move disrupts cultural exchanges, academic visits, and business travel, and is meant to reduce potential security vulnerabilities by restricting entry of individuals from Pakistan during this heightened period of alert. Closure of airspace for Pakistani airlines Indian airspace has been closed to all Pakistani commercial aircraft, forcing them to take longer routes and suffer increased fuel and operational costs. This action disrupts Pakistan's international air connectivity and has both symbolic and economic implications. Trade ties snapped The central government has completely severed formal trade relations with Pakistan, halting the import and export of goods. This includes both direct bilateral trade and third-country trade routed through the UAE or Singapore. Informal and cross-border trade via Jammu and Kashmir has also been shut down. The move is expected to economically strain certain sectors in Pakistan while reflecting India's hardened stance against terrorism. Shipping ties suspended All maritime shipping routes and logistics operations between India and Pakistan have been suspended. This includes container traffic, cargo ships, and joint maritime arrangements. Ports in Gujarat and Maharashtra that occasionally dealt with Pakistani-origin shipments have been notified. The decision impacts trade, humanitarian shipments, and port revenue but is viewed as a necessary strategic move to isolate Pakistan on multiple economic fronts. Postal ties suspended The Centre has ceased all postal services with Pakistan, including letters, parcels, and diplomatic pouches. This affects civilian communication and interrupts routine diplomatic correspondence. The move is aimed at applying pressure by cutting all non-essential contact points and signalling a total breakdown in bilateral trust following the terror attack in Pahalgam. Crackdown on Pakistani social media and media content The government has initiated a crackdown on Pakistani-origin digital and broadcast content. This includes restricting Pakistani news channels, removing YouTube videos, suspending social media pages linked to Pakistani propaganda, and warning OTT platforms against hosting such content. The move is seen as an attempt to curb misinformation, incitement, or glorification of terrorism and block narratives that may destabilise internal security or national morale. Briefing the UNSC Members on Pakistan's role India has conducted closed-door briefings for members of the United Nations Security Council, excluding China and Pakistan, on Islamabad's support for terrorist networks. The diplomatic effort aims to internationalise the issue and build a consensus on Pakistan's role in cross-border terrorism. India presented evidence gathered from the Pahalgam attack site and intelligence reports to strengthen its case at the global stage. India builds storage capacity at two hydroelectric facilities As India-Pakistan tensions escalate, the Narendra Modi government is taking steps to enhance the storage capacity at two hydroelectric facilities in Kashmir's Himalayan region, according to sources familiar with the situation who spoke to Reuters. This development marks India's first concrete action operating outside the framework of the Indus Waters Treaty, an agreement that has remained intact since 1960, despite three wars and various conflicts between the two nuclear-armed nations. India demands Asian Development Bank cut funding for Pakistan India has demanded the Asian Development Bank to reduce funding for Pakistan, as New Delhi continued disciplinary measures against Islamabad. During the 58th Annual Meeting of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in Milan, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman urged ADB President Masato Kanda to reduce financial assistance to Pakistan, which was amongst several other topics addressed. Govt orders civil defence mock drills The ministry of home affairs has directed several states to conduct civil defence mock drills on May 7. The exercise aims to enhance preparedness in the event of a hostile attack, and will include the following measures: Activation of air raid warning sirens, training civilians, including students, in basic civil defence techniques Implementation of crash blackout protocols, early-stage camouflaging of critical infrastructure and installations, updating and rehearsing evacuation plans.
Time of India
26-04-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Morning news wrap: Donald Trump addresses India-Pak tensions after Pahalgam terror attack, terrorists' homes demolished in J&K and more
Morning news wrap: Donald Trump addresses India-Pak tensions after Pahalgam terror attack, terrorists homes demolished in J&K and more US President Donald Trump addressed the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, expressing concern over what he called the longstanding conflict between India and Pakistan. Trump expressed hope that the two countries would 'figure it out.' In response to the Pahalgam terror attack , Indian authorities demolished five properties of suspected terrorists involved in the attack, sending a strong message to those linked to cross-border terrorism. Pakistan's former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari threatened India over the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty , accusing India of illegal actions and vowing to raise the issue internationally following rising tensions. Here are the top five stories of the morning: 'That was a bad one': US President Donald Trump reacts to Pahalgam terror attack US President Donald Trump called the recent Pahalgam terror attack 'a bad one' and acknowledged the centuries-long tensions between India and Pakistan over Kashmir. Speaking aboard Air Force One, he expressed hope that the two countries would 'figure it out.' The April 22 strike killed 26 tourists, prompting India to respond with swift diplomatic action—suspending visas, scaling back missions, and halting participation in the Indus Waters Treaty. Trump reiterated his close ties with both nations and familiarity with their leadership. Read full story Terrorists' houses blown up days after Pahalgam terror attack In a continued crackdown, authorities have demolished two more homes belonging to suspects in the Pahalgam terror attack, bringing the total to five. Properties of Lashkar commander Shahid Ahmad Kuttay and Zakir Ahmad Ganie were razed using controlled blasts in Shopian and Kulgam. Intelligence links Adil Hussain Thoker, trained in Pakistan, to the attackers. Tuesday's strike killed 26 tourists in Baisaran Meadow. Officials emphasised that the precision demolitions aimed to avoid harming innocent neighbours. Read full story 'Either water will flow or their blood will': Ex-Pakistan FM Bhutto's threat to India Former Pakistan foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari issued a warning to India after New Delhi suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, saying, 'Either water will flow in this Indus, or their blood will.' India blamed Pakistan-backed terror groups for the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 tourists, prompting diplomatic retaliation and treaty suspension under Article XII(3). Tensions have also spilled into Pakistan's domestic politics, forcing the suspension of a military-backed canal project in Sindh. India has started identifying Pakistanis on short-term visas for repatriation. Read full story MS Dhoni finally loses cool after CSK loss, says 'you can't just keep ... ' Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain MS Dhoni expressed his frustration after his team's five-wicket loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in IPL 2025. With CSK managing just 154, Dhoni admitted the total was insufficient, especially on a pitch that wasn't challenging. SRH chased down the target in 18.4 overs, leaving CSK with slim play-off chances. Dhoni emphasized the lack of consistency across the team and the struggles in the middle overs, while also praising Dewald Brevis for his performance. CSK remain at the bottom of the points table. Read full story Virginia Giuffre, who accused Jeffrey Epstein and Prince Andrew of sexual assault, dies by suicide Virginia Giuffre, a key figure in exposing Jeffrey Epstein's sex trafficking ring and accusing Prince Andrew of sexual abuse, has died by suicide at 41, her family confirmed. She passed away at her farm in Neergabby, Western Australia. Known for her relentless fight for justice, Giuffre's testimony was pivotal in convicting Ghislaine Maxwell. Despite enduring years of abuse, Giuffre's death highlights the lasting toll of her trauma. Her family remembered her as a fierce advocate for survivors, and her lawyer hailed her as a champion for other victims. Read full story
Time of India
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Will India avenge Pahalgam terror attack with jets, drones, or something new?
NEW DELHI: India is preparing a high-stakes, multidimensional response to the April 22 massacre of 28 civilians, mostly tourists, in Jammu and Kashmir 's Pahalgam region. The Resistance Front ( TRF ), a proxy outfit linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and backed by Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), has claimed responsibility. The massacre at Baisaran, near the resort town of Pahalgam, was the deadliest since the 2019 Pulwama bombing. But unlike Pulwama, which targeted security forces, this time civilians were the target—foreigners included. Prime Minister Narendra Modi - who cut short his diplomatic mission to Saudi Arabia—held an emergency meeting with national security advisor Ajit Doval and foreign minister S Jaishankar at the Delhi airport soon after landing. 'The perpetrators of this cowardly attack won't be spared,' Modi reportedly told top security officials, per sources cited by PTI. Union home minister Amit Shah on Wednesday reviewed the security situation at the site of the assault in Pahalgam's Baisaran meadow. The home minister walked through the attack site under tight security and received a detailed briefing from senior officials on the current situation and the operations underway in the region. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo Meanwhile, India's military and diplomatic corps have begun charting out options for both kinetic and non-kinetic retaliation. Why it matters Ceasefire on the brink: The 2021 India-Pakistan LoC truce-widely credited with reducing cross-border shelling—now teeters on collapse. 'All bets are off with the LoC,' South Asia expert Michael Kugelman posted on X. Deterrence credibility under pressure: Since 2016, India has twice responded to high-profile terror attacks with cross-border force: the Uri surgical strikes and the Balakot air raids. Another high-casualty strike, especially against civilians, challenges New Delhi to reassert its doctrine of "punitive deterrence." Geopolitical implications: The massacre's timing—overlapping with US Vice President JD Vance's India trip and PM Modi's Saudi outreach—suggests an intent to draw international focus to Kashmir. Ex-Pakistan envoy Husain Haqqani likened the attack to Hamas' October 7 strike on Israel, warning of 'portentous ramifications.' Zoom in: A familiar doctrine meets a new test India's past retaliatory playbook centers on two defining actions: Uri surgical strikes (2016): Eleven days after militants attacked an Army base, Indian special forces struck multiple terror launch pads across the LoC in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The operation was limited, precise, and publicly declared to assert resolve. Balakot airstrikes (2019): Following the Pulwama suicide bombing that killed 40 CRPF personnel, India conducted airstrikes deep inside Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, targeting a Jaish-e-Mohammed training facility. These responses form the foundation of India's 'punitive deterrence' model: Escalate just enough to impose a cost but avoid provoking a wider war. The Pahalgam attack, with its scale, communal targeting, and international optics, tests whether that doctrine still has teeth—or needs an upgrade. Between the lines: The dog whistle that may have drawn blood Pakistan army chief General Asim Munir's recent rhetoric is now under intense scrutiny by Indian intelligence and strategic circles. His fiery public remarks, particularly branding Kashmir as Pakistan's 'jugular vein,' are being viewed not just as provocative symbolism but as a signal to militant proxies to escalate operations in the Valley. Zoom in: What Munir said and why it matters In a public address earlier this month, Munir said: 'Our stance is absolutely clear — Kashmir was our jugular vein , it will be our jugular vein, we will not forget it. We will not leave our Kashmiri brothers in their struggle.' Indian officials say the timing of this statement—just days before the Pahalgam attack—was not coincidental. His use of emotionally charged language echoed Pakistan's long-standing two-nation theory and was seen by analysts as an ideological green light for terror outfits seeking relevance amid declining domestic traction in Kashmir. A senior Indian security official described it as 'classic dog-whistling,' designed to incite action without direct attribution. 'They don't need to say 'attack.' Just saying 'jugular vein' is enough for their proxies to get the message,' the official said. Rhetoric meets action: TRF's timing speaks volumes The Resistance Front (TRF), a front organization of Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility for the Pahalgam massacre. TRF has often operated under ISI patronage, giving Pakistan the plausible deniability it needs to deflect blame. What makes the Munir connection more chilling: The language of the attack reportedly mirrored the sectarian tone of Munir's speeches. Survivors said the gunmen forced victims to recite Islamic verses, and those who couldn't were shot at close range. Just days before the attack, Lashkar commander Abu Musa held a rally in Rawalkot calling for continued jihad in Kashmir, stating: 'Jihad will continue, guns will rage and beheading will continue in Kashmir.' Indian intelligence believes this public threat had direct ideological backing from Pakistan's military top brass. Indian officials now see a pattern of synchronization: Inflammatory speeches followed by high-profile attacks, a tactic meant to destabilize Kashmir, embarrass India globally, and provoke communal unrest. What they are saying "Bharat will not bend to terror. The culprits of this dastardly terror attack will not be spared," Union home minister Amit Shah said. Michael Kugelman, Wilson Center: 'India will review potential kinetic responses… It may also consider non-military measures such as ending the 2021 LoC truce or suspending the Indus Waters Treaty.' Lt Governor Manoj Sinha: 'The terrorists will pay a very heavy price. No mercy.' Ex-Pakistan envoy Husain Haqqani: 'The April 22 attack is as portentous as Hamas' October 7 strike. It could reshape regional calculations.' Beyond bombs: Diplomatic and economic levers India's options aren't limited to missiles and air raids. Officials may also consider these non-kinetic steps: Revoking the 2021 LoC ceasefire agreement—a signal that Pakistan can no longer rely on 'quiet' borders while fostering proxy war. Suspending or redefining the Indus Waters Treaty, within legal bounds, to squeeze Pakistan's critical river flows. Intensifying FATF lobbying—citing TRF's link to LeT—to push for Pakistan's return to the grey or black list for terror financing. These steps rarely offer instant gratification but incrementally raise the cost of harboring terror proxies. They also play well with international partners already voicing outrage over the Pahalgam killings. What 'something new' might look like India can also use hybrid warfare tactics that avoid full military conflict but still extract a price: Cyber Ops: Targeting ISI's digital infrastructure to disrupt command-and-control or leak communication intercepts implicating Pakistan. Smart-border systems: Using sensors, AI, and drones to create 'kill boxes' that auto-target infiltrators. Information warfare: Broadcasting Munir's dog-whistling and TRF's atrocities globally to shift the Kashmir narrative. What's next A layered response is the most likely scenario: Short-term kinetic punch: Balakot or Uri-style strikes or drone attacks on launch pads to reestablish deterrence. Covert hunt: Targeted eliminations of TRF handlers in Pakistan or PoK via RAW and special units. Diplomatic escalation: At the UN, FATF, and regional blocs to isolate Pakistan.
