Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar announced that a fisherman named Ijaz Mallah has been arrested for allegedly engaging in espionage activities for India. Speaking at a press briefing in Islamabad, Tarar explained that Mallah, who worked in deep-sea fishing, was compelled to obtain several items including military uniforms, Pakistani currency, cigarettes, matchboxes, lighters, and SIM cards.
Arrest and Alleged Recruitment by Indian Agencies
According to Tarar, Mallah was detained by the Indian Coast Guard in September while fishing in open waters. During his custody, he was allegedly offered money to spy for India and warned of imprisonment if he refused. The minister said Mallah was later released and sent back to Pakistan with specific instructions to acquire items related to the Pakistan Navy, Army, and Sindh Rangers.
Tracking and Arrest by Pakistani Intelligence
Tarar stated that Pakistan’s intelligence agencies began monitoring Mallah when he attempted to gather the listed materials. He was eventually intercepted at sea while trying to transport the items back to India. Tarar claimed this was part of a broader operation orchestrated by Indian intelligence to conduct propaganda against Pakistan.
Evidence and Confession
During the press conference, the minister presented images of the confiscated materials and showed a video in which Mallah confessed to being detained by Indian authorities while fishing.
Rising Tensions Between India and Pakistan
The incident has emerged amid heightened tensions between the two nations. Relations worsened following India’s launch of *Operation Sindoor* on May 7, aimed at striking terrorist networks in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. The military action was reportedly in response to the April 22 Pahalgam attack that resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians.
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