Unveiling Pakistan's Covert Support for Terrorism: A Deep Dive into the ISI's Operations

Pakistan's Military and Terrorism: A Coordinated Effort

New Delhi: The Pakistan Army, in collaboration with its Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), has been secretly aiding various anti-India terrorist organizations, including Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), and Hizbul Mujahideen (HM). This support encompasses financial, logistical, and military assistance, including direct combat training.

Following sanctions from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the Pakistani military has attempted to rebrand terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir by introducing new names like The Resistance Front (TRF) and People Anti-Fascist Front (PAFF) for established terrorist groups such as LeT and JeM. This rebranding aims to evade scrutiny from global watchdogs and portray terrorism as a local resistance movement. Pakistani military officials frequently visit training camps to oversee the training of terrorists.

Terrorist organizations like LeT and JeM have been given operational bases hidden within government facilities in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). Numerous training camps and launch pads are situated near military installations, health units, and primary health centers, providing cover for their activities.

These groups have access to advanced military communication tools, such as Long Range (LoRa) and Digital Mobile Radio (DMR), to evade detection. The Pakistan military is also enhancing signal strength across the International Border (IB) and Line of Control (LoC) to assist infiltrated terrorists. Facilities like Sarjal – Tehra Kalan are equipped with high-frequency communication setups for coordinating with infiltrators.

While these camps are primarily used for arms training, they also serve as centers for religious indoctrination and logistical support, funded by the Pakistani establishment. Major facilities like Markaz Taiba (LeT) in Muridke and Markaz Subhan Allah (JeM) in Bahawalpur not only house key commanders but also act as hubs for radicalization and training in intelligence and arms handling.

Commanders from these terrorist groups utilize these centers to spread anti-India propaganda, motivating recruits for jihad, as evidenced by hate speeches from JeM leader Masood Azhar.

Camps such as Markaz Abbas Kotli (JeM) and Markaz Ahle Hadith, Barnala (LeT) are also heavily involved in indoctrination and planning terrorist activities, including infiltration.

In addition to logistical and financial support, the Pakistan army is strategically involved in training terrorists. Groups like LeT, JeM, and Hizbul Mujahideen receive guerrilla warfare training from the Pakistan Special Services Group (SSG) at various camps, including Syedna Bilal (JeM) and Shawai Nalla (LeT).

Here’s a brief overview of some significant terror facilities in Pakistan:

Markaz Subhan Allah, Bahawalpur: Established in 2015, this is the primary training and indoctrination center for JeM, linked to the planning of the Pulwama attack in February 2019. It houses key figures of JeM and conducts regular training sessions for its members.

Markaz Taiba, Muridke: Founded in 2000, this is the main training facility for LeT, offering arms training and radicalization programs. It is known for producing a significant number of militants annually.

Sarjal Tehra Kalan: This facility serves as a launching point for JeM terrorists into Jammu and Kashmir, cleverly disguised within a Primary Health Centre.

Mehmoona Joya facility, Sialkot: Located within a government health unit, this facility trains Hizbul Mujahideen operatives for infiltration into Jammu.

Markaz Ahle Hadith Barnala: This LeT facility is used for staging operations before infiltrating Indian territory.

Markaz Abbas, Kotli: A significant JeM facility involved in planning attacks in Jammu and Kashmir.

Maskar Raheel Shahid, Kotli: An older Hizbul Mujahideen facility focusing on arms training and guerrilla tactics.

Shawai Nallah camp, Muzaffarabad: Known for training attackers of the 26/11 Mumbai attack, this camp is crucial for LeT operations.

Markaz Syedna Bilal: This facility serves as a transit point for JeM terrorists before their infiltration into Jammu and Kashmir.