Islamabad (TDI): Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar revealed on Saturday that a Pakistani fisherman had been detained by Indian authorities and later coerced into carrying out assignments for India’s intelligence network.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhary, Tarar said Indian media was attempting to push “false narratives” following the recent four-day conflict between the two countries.
The minister said that the man, identified as Ijaz Mallah, earned his living by fishing in open waters. “In September this year, during one of his trips, he was picked up by the Indian Coast Guard,” Tarar explained. “He was then taken to an undisclosed facility where he was pressured to undertake specific tasks for Indian intelligence operatives.”
According to Tarar, Mallah was promised financial compensation but was threatened with imprisonment if he refused to comply. After being released, the fisherman was reportedly instructed to obtain military uniforms belonging to the Pakistan Navy, Pakistan Army, and Sindh Rangers.
Read More: Pakistan Rejects Indian Propaganda on Gaza Troops, Clarifies Passport Clause Intact
“He was told to collect uniforms with certain nametags and measurements,” Tarar said, describing it as part of a broader plan “to support India’s propaganda campaign against Pakistan.”
The minister displayed images of the recovered materials during the briefing, noting that Pakistan’s intelligence services had placed Mallah under close observation as soon as he began trying to acquire the requested items.
Tarar said the man was also asked to purchase local currency, cigarettes, matchboxes, lighters, and SIM cards before returning to India. “He managed to collect these things, but before he could leave Pakistani waters, our law enforcement agencies intercepted him at sea,” he added.
Read More: Pakistan Slams India for Defying UN Kashmir Plebiscite
Calling the episode an example of India’s “propaganda warfare,” the minister said such attempts were designed to discredit Pakistan internationally. “This incident clearly shows how far the Indian state is willing to go to malign Pakistan because they cannot digest our progress,” Tarar remarked.
He added that the fisherman had since confessed and that investigations into the matter were ongoing.
