Inspector General of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Captain (R) Liaqat Ali Malik, has confirmed the arrest of an individual allegedly working for the Indian intelligence agency RAW, following a swift and intelligence-led operation conducted by Rawalakot Police.
Addressing a press briefing the IG stated that the suspect identified as Irfan, was actively engaged in espionage-related activities including the collection and transmission of sensitive information regarding strategic locations and installations to hostile elements.
According to him, the accused operated through digital platforms and social media channels maintaining covert communication with handlers linked to a foreign intelligence network.
He further revealed that the suspect was involved in recording videos and capturing images of sensitive sites and forwarding them to external contacts.
The IG emphasized that Rawalakot Police acted on credible intelligence inputs and successfully apprehended the suspect, recovering critical digital and evidentiary material which was subsequently presented before the media.
He noted that preliminary investigations suggest the suspect was also attempting to recruit and influence vulnerable individuals, particularly youth, by offering financial incentives in exchange for sensitive information, thereby attempting to expand the espionage network.
Captain (R) Liaqat Ali Malik strongly asserted that no compromise would be made on the territorial integrity and security of Azad Kashmir, adding that hostile designs against the state will be dealt with firmly and decisively.
He further stated that the suspect had been transmitting images and videos of sensitive installations to the alleged foreign handlers, while detailed records of targeted locations have been secured by law enforcement agencies.
The IG also urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant regarding their children’s online activities, warning that adversarial networks increasingly exploit digital platforms to target unsuspecting individuals.
During interrogation, the accused reportedly disclosed that in June 2025, he was contacted via social media by an individual identified as “Shahid,” who initially offered him an online employment opportunity. The communication subsequently shifted to WhatsApp, where interactions continued on a regular basis.
The suspect further claimed that the individual installed a mobile application on his device and instructed him to record videos and photographs of various locations, including military vehicle movements and sensitive areas.
Authorities have confirmed that investigations are ongoing to dismantle the wider network and identify additional individuals involved in the espionage operation.
