Pakistani authorities arrested Ejaz Mallah (also spelled Ijaz Mallah), accusing him of having been recruited by Indian intelligence services to carry out spy activities within Pakistan. This announcement was made at a joint press conference by Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry on 1 November 2025 in Islamabad, reported The Express Tribune + Islamabad Post.
Mallah, from Thatta district in Pakistan, was arrested by Indian Coast Guard officers while fishing in Indian-managed waters in September and taken to an unknown location where he was forced into working for Indian intelligence despite promises of compensation and threats of imprisonment, according to Minister Tarar and The News +2 (Associated Press of Pakistan).
Mallah returned to Pakistan and was assigned by Indian agents the task of purchasing specific items: uniforms of the Pakistan Navy, Army and Sindh Rangers with specific name tags attached as well as local SIM cards, cigarettes lighters and matchboxes. Pakistani intelligence agencies began monitoring him when observed purchasing these uniforms and eventually detained while trying to return home; an admission video featuring Mallah later released by authorities confirmed this had been assigned by Indian agents.
At an earlier press briefing, Minister Tarar described this event as evidence of what he referred to as “Indian propaganda warfare and covert operations”, following what India claimed was its failure with Operation Sindoor. According to Minister Tarar, India cannot accept Pakistan’s diplomatic or strategic hold and thus resorts to misinformation campaigns with infiltration tactics and misinformation campaigns against Pakistan.
The Express Tribune published such allegations.
Pakistan has stated that investigations are underway and security agencies remain on high alert, while emphasizing their resolve not to allow their territory to be used against it, warning of legal actions and intelligence counter-measures against any possible misuse by anyone against them. (Source: News 181).
Context and Implications
This case comes amid increased tensions between Pakistan and India, each country accusing the other of spying, cross-border strikes, propaganda, espionage and propaganda activities. Mallah’s arrest appears to fit with Pakistan’s narrative that opposes Indian intelligence operations aimed at destabilising Pakistan. (Associated Press of Pakistan)
Pakistan can leverage this incident both publically and domestically as it sends a strong signal that covert infiltration will no longer be tolerated. On the other hand, India, which has previously denied similar allegations, faces an additional diplomatic challenge and may further strain bilateral intelligence and security cooperation communications.
Legal and Diplomatic Issues.
Pakistani authorities have presented Mallah’s confession as evidence, yet questions still exist regarding his cross-border detention and coercion allegedly experienced while being held in Indian custody. India has yet to respond directly to Mallah’s allegations concerning their handling in custody – including due process rights and consular access; thus prompting international scrutiny over how his case will unfold.
As with the purchase of military-style uniforms and SIM cards, this latest acquisition raises questions regarding internal security mechanisms in Pakistan. Security agencies will likely emphasize their ability to detect and intercept such activities as part of their narrative of effective counterintelligence measures.
Conclusion
The arrest of fisherman Ejaz Mallah represents an abrupt increase in intelligence allegations between Pakistan and India. Beyond just his case, this arrest marks how accusations of spying are increasingly being contextualised within geopolitical rivalry. Whether prosecution, further disclosures, or diplomatic responses result from this is still yet to be seen; but for Pakistan it underscores their continued emphasis on protecting sovereignty while disclosing foreign interference.