New Delhi, September 29, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) has reportedly shifted its operational focus on India towards radicalisation, recruitment and the development of proxy networks, while avoiding large-scale terror attacks that could trigger direct military retaliation, according to intelligence assessments cited by officials.
The assessments suggest that Islamabad is seeking to strengthen its international standing and project itself as a regional peacemaker, while managing security and economic challenges at home. Pakistan has highlighted its ties with the United States and recently signed the Mecca Pact as part of its diplomatic outreach.
According to intelligence officials, Pakistan continues to plan terror activities against India but is likely to avoid a major attack for now. An Intelligence Bureau (IB) official said the country’s current priority was to focus on international relations rather than risk escalation through an attack on Indian soil.
The official said the ISI was instead concentrating on smaller-scale attacks, recruitment and propaganda activities across India, while encouraging the formation of home-grown terror modules. The approach, the official suggested, would allow Pakistan to maintain plausible deniability while seeking to enhance its international image.
Officials have cautioned, however, that the absence of an imminent large-scale attack should not lead to a reduction in vigilance. They said the ISI had been preparing for wider radicalisation activities in India over the past eight months, with efforts expected to continue.
Another official said Islamabad and Rawalpindi were pursuing a longer-term strategy that included expanding radicalisation efforts and building proxy networks in Jammu and Kashmir. According to the official, these networks were not necessarily intended to carry out immediate attacks but could be used in the event of a major escalation between the two countries in the coming years.
The official said Pakistan would seek to rely on proxy groups rather than deploy its regular army in a direct confrontation with Indian security forces.
Intelligence officials also warned that Pakistan could continue supporting proxy organisations, increasing smuggling and counterfeiting activities, and expanding recruitment and radicalisation efforts. They said a major terror attack could disrupt Islamabad’s broader strategic plans and provoke a response similar to Operation Sindoor.
One official said Pakistan’s reported approach was aimed at putting sustained pressure on India while limiting the risk of direct military confrontation. The strategy, according to officials, could involve training large numbers of operatives linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed for potential proxy operations.
The assessments further suggest that Pakistan believes radicalised individuals within India, alongside proxy fighters, could influence the situation in the event of a wider conflict. Officials said reliance on proxy groups could also help Islamabad limit direct military involvement and reduce the risk of international pressure.
The intelligence assessments indicate that Indian security agencies are monitoring these reported activities, particularly efforts related to recruitment, radicalisation and the expansion of proxy networks.
FOLLOW NOW
