New Delhi, August 22, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) is allegedly using promises of money, social status and a lavish lifestyle to lure vulnerable Indian youth into terror-related activities, intelligence officials said.
According to Intelligence Bureau (IB) officials, profiles of several young people being examined by security agencies indicate that some recruits were unemployed or frustrated with their circumstances and were attracted by images of luxury cars, expensive clothes and lavish homes allegedly displayed by ISI-backed recruiters.
Officials described the strategy as a psychological trap in which recruiters first create an impression of wealth and influence before offering young people opportunities to earn money and gain social recognition.
The officials said many recruits later discover that the promised financial rewards do not materialise. When they question their handlers, they are allegedly threatened with exposure to law-enforcement agencies or imprisonment, leaving some of them continuing their activities out of fear of being identified.
Intelligence officials also said recruitment networks appear to be identifying individuals who are particularly vulnerable because of unemployment, frustration or previous involvement in crime. Recruiters allegedly exploit these circumstances by portraying criminal activity as a route to financial success, power and social respect.
One such case cited by officials is that of Shehzad Bhatti, described as an influencer-turned-terror recruiter who allegedly targeted youths with criminal backgrounds. Agencies recently busted the module, with more than 250 arrests reported in connection with it.
Bhatti allegedly used images showcasing an affluent lifestyle to attract recruits and promised some of them that they could become influential criminals and gain access to larger criminal syndicates.
Officials said newer recruitment modules attributed to the ISI are increasingly focusing on psychological vulnerabilities rather than relying solely on ideological messaging.
Security agencies are also concerned about the targeting of juveniles. Officials said some recruitment attempts involve individuals below 18 years of age, who require a different legal and rehabilitative approach.
The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2000 defines a child under Section 2(12) as a person who has not completed 18 years of age. Officials said agencies dealing with such cases need to prioritise counselling and rehabilitation rather than relying exclusively on punitive measures.
Security personnel also work with psychologists to counsel vulnerable youths and help prevent their further involvement in criminal or terror networks, officials said.
FOLLOW NOW
