Washington Post Exposé Unveils India’s Alleged Covert Killings in Pakistan

Date: January 2, 2025

In a groundbreaking report published on January 2, 2025, The Washington Post unveiled allegations that India’s premier intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), has been executing a covert assassination program targeting individuals within Pakistan since 2001. This revelation, citing credible sources, has intensified the already strained relations between the nuclear-armed neighbors and prompted significant global concern.

Key Allegations

The report details that RAW has systematically targeted individuals linked to terrorism, separatist movements, or anti-India activities. These operations reportedly mirror tactics employed in other international cases, such as the recent targeting of pro-Khalistan leaders in Canada and the U.S.

1. Zahoor Mistry (2022):
   Mistry, implicated in the 1999 hijacking of an Indian Airlines flight, was assassinated in Karachi. An Indian operative, identified as Tanaz Ansari, is alleged to have orchestrated this mission. She reportedly hired two Pakistanis for surveillance and two Afghan nationals for the killing, paying them through a Dubai-based hawala network.
2. Shahid Latif (2023):
   Known for his role in the 2016 Pathankot airbase attack, Latif was gunned down in Sialkot. According to the report, a Dubai-based operative, Muhammad Umair, led the mission. Umair, later arrested, revealed that he was dispatched from Dubai and disclosed the location of a safe house used by RAW operatives.
3. Syed Khalid Raza (Date Unspecified):
   A former Kashmiri militant, Raza was also targeted in a similar fashion, with hired assassins and meticulous planning.

Execution Strategy

The Washington Post describes RAW’s modus operandi as a combination of outsourcing and direct oversight:

• Hired Assassins: RAW allegedly employed local Pakistani criminals and Afghan shooters, ensuring plausible deniability.
• Financial Networks: Payments for these missions were routed through hawala channels, primarily managed by Dubai-based intermediaries.
• Safe Houses: Operatives used secure locations in third countries for planning and coordination.

The report also suggests the involvement of Indian nationals, Ashok Kumar Anand Salian and Yogesh Kumar, whose whereabouts remain unknown despite Pakistani raids on their suspected safe house.

Historical and Diplomatic Context

India and Pakistan have a history of hostile relations, rooted in disputes over Kashmir and cross-border terrorism. Notable events include:

• Kulbhushan Jadhav (2016): A former Indian naval officer, accused of espionage and sabotage, was arrested in Pakistan, exacerbating bilateral tensions.
• 2019 Kashmir Autonomy Revocation: India unilaterally revoked Jammu and Kashmir’s special status, further deteriorating relations.

International Implications

These revelations have far-reaching consequences:

1. Diplomatic Fallout: Pakistan’s Foreign Office has accused India of extrajudicial killings on its soil. Such allegations align with recent claims by Canadian authorities, who accused India of orchestrating the killing of pro-Khalistan leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
2. Global Concerns: Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have called for investigations into India’s alleged overseas operations, emphasizing adherence to international norms.
3. Regional Stability: The alleged assassinations risk escalating tensions in South Asia, a region already grappling with fragile security dynamics.

India’s Response

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has neither confirmed nor denied the allegations, stating that such operations do not align with government policy. However, analysts argue that RAW’s evolving strategies reflect a shift toward a more assertive stance, akin to Israel’s Mossad or the CIA.

Broader Patterns

The report echoes allegations of India targeting individuals beyond Pakistan. In Canada, pro-Khalistan leaders have faced assassination attempts, drawing global attention to India’s extrajudicial tactics. In April 2024, The Guardian reported that India’s government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, had adopted a policy of targeting perceived enemies abroad.

Future Outlook

The revelations underscore the need for transparency and accountability in international relations. As global pressure mounts, both India and Pakistan face scrutiny over their actions, with the international community urging restraint and dialogue.

This exposé highlights the blurred lines in state-sponsored intelligence operations, raising questions about sovereignty, ethics, and the rule of law. The world watches closely as South Asia navigates this complex and volatile chapter in its history.

References

1. Washington Post Report:
   Original source of the allegations regarding India’s covert operations in Pakistan. Detailed insights into RAW’s alleged activities, including methods and key targets. (The Washington Post, January 2, 2025).
2. Canadian Allegations Against India:
   Reports on Canada accusing India of orchestrating the assassination of pro-Khalistan leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. (BBC News, September 2024).
3. The Guardian Report (April 2024):
   Article on India’s alleged policy of targeting perceived enemies abroad, including Pakistan. (The Guardian, April 2024).
4. Amnesty International Statement:
   Calls for an independent investigation into India’s alleged extrajudicial killings abroad. (Amnesty International Press Release, November 2024).
5. Kulbhushan Jadhav Case:
   Background on India-Pakistan tensions over the arrest of an Indian national accused of espionage. (Al Jazeera, December 2016).
6. Pathankot Attack (2016):
   Information on Shahid Latif’s role in the attack and its implications on India-Pakistan relations. (Times of India, January 2016).
7. 2019 Kashmir Autonomy Revocation:
   Analysis of India’s decision to revoke Jammu and Kashmir’s special status and its impact on bilateral ties. (Reuters, August 2019).
8. Human Rights Watch Commentary:
   Observations on the ethical and legal ramifications of state-sponsored assassinations. (Human Rights Watch, October 2024).
9. Pakistan Foreign Office Statements:
   Official responses from Pakistan regarding the allegations in The Washington Post. (Dawn, January 2025).