Pakistan's Terror Groups Plan Major Reorganization in 2026
Focus on Strengthening Terror Outfits
In New Delhi, reports indicate that two of Pakistan's most influential terror organizations, Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad, are set to prioritize not only reorganization but also the enhancement of their capabilities in the upcoming year, according to intelligence sources.
An official noted that 2026 will primarily focus on regrouping efforts and making these groups significantly more dangerous.
Both organizations faced severe setbacks during Operation Sindoor, which was initiated by Indian forces in retaliation for the Pahalgam attack.
An official from the Intelligence Bureau mentioned that the process of reorganization and fortification will occur in stages.
The most significant challenge these groups face is in recruitment, as Operation Sindoor has revealed their vulnerabilities and led to substantial losses.
An internal assessment has shown a critical shortage in their recruitment efforts.
Currently, executing a large-scale attack on India appears to be both difficult and perilous, leading them to refrain from any major operations for the time being.
In the initial phase of their strategy, both Jaish and Lashkar are organizing large rallies throughout Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) to rally public support.
These events aim to emphasize the necessity of strong groups to counter India, especially at a time when anti-India sentiments are heightened.
The groups hope that these rallies will resonate with the youth, encouraging them to join their ranks, with officials estimating a target of recruiting over 10,000 young individuals.
Following this recruitment drive, plans are in place to establish training camps across the nation, particularly in Balakot, Bahawalpur, and Muridke, all of which have previously been targeted by India.
The establishment of these camps is intended to send a message to India and reassure recruits that they remain undeterred after Operation Sindoor.
Officials also note that as part of their efforts to strengthen their organizations, both Jaish and Lashkar will engage in various theatrical displays to regain the respect they lost following the Indian operation.
During Operation Sindoor, the Indian military dismantled the Jaish headquarters in Bahawalpur and the Lashkar's main training facility in Muridke.
As part of their rebuilding initiative, there will be a significant focus on developing all-women units within both terror groups.
These ambitious projects aim to enhance their operational capabilities, with women being trained in radicalization, recruitment, and propaganda, including a select few being prepared as suicide bombers.
These female operatives are intended for deployment in Jammu and Kashmir, where both groups are also establishing an all-women network of overground workers (OGWs).
While substantial ground operations are planned, intelligence agencies caution against the extensive online programs these groups are developing.
These initiatives will focus on large-scale propaganda efforts, utilizing Artificial Intelligence to broaden their reach.
The groups plan to produce propaganda materials in multiple Indian languages to ensure personalized content that resonates with a wider audience.
An Intelligence Bureau official stated that managing such a comprehensive program, jointly executed by these two terror organizations, will be a formidable challenge.
The ISI is expected to intensify its efforts to ensure the success of this initiative and restore normalcy within both Jaish and Lashkar.