Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar revealed on Saturday that a Pakistani fisherman, Ejaz Mallah, was arrested by intelligence agencies on charges of espionage after being coerced by Indian authorities to spy on Pakistan.
Addressing a joint press conference alongside Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, Tarar alleged that Mallah had been detained by the Indian Coast Guard in September and later forced to cooperate with India’s intelligence service. He was reportedly threatened with imprisonment if he refused and promised financial incentives in return.
After being released, Mallah was tasked with purchasing uniforms of the Pakistan Army, Navy, and Rangers, as well as acquiring local SIM cards and other materials for intelligence purposes. Pakistani agencies placed him under surveillance after noticing his suspicious purchases and later arrested him while he attempted to return to India.
Authorities said that during interrogation, Mallah confessed to working under Indian pressure and his recorded statement was shared with the media. In the video, he admitted that Indian officials had detained him and instructed him to carry out tasks that could aid in espionage against Pakistan.
Tarar accused India of orchestrating a wider propaganda campaign following the failure of “Operation Sindoor,” claiming that New Delhi’s efforts to malign Pakistan reflected its frustration over Islamabad’s recent diplomatic and strategic gains. “Just like the case of Kulbhushan Jadhav, India continues to exploit civilians for its covert missions,” he added.
Minister Talal Chaudhry said Mallah had been told to obtain a SIM card from a specific mobile operator and collect various local items to hand over to Indian handlers. He emphasized that Pakistan’s security and intelligence agencies remain vigilant against foreign conspiracies and attempts to harm national security.
Both ministers asserted that India’s anti-Pakistan narrative and fabricated propaganda have been repeatedly exposed before the international community. Tarar further alleged that such acts often surface ahead of Indian elections, as part of the Modi government’s political agenda.
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