Pakistan Security Agencies Expose Alleged RAW Network in Karachi Targeted Killing Operation

Karachi, Pakistan | August 23, 2025

Pakistan's Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) has announced the dismantling of what it describes as a major intelligence network operated by India's Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), following a series of operations that resulted in six arrests linked to the targeted killing of a civilian in Badin district and espionage activities in Karachi. The revelation marks a significant escalation in tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors already engaged in a long-standing pattern of reciprocal allegations of state-sponsored terrorism.

Karachi Operation Reveals alleged Indian Intelligence Network

In a joint operation conducted with federal intelligence agencies, the CTD arrested six individuals allegedly working for RAW, India's premier intelligence agency. According to CTD officials, the network was involved in the May 18 targeted killing of Abdul Rehman, a 45-year-old barber known for his welfare work in Matli, Badin district .

Additional Inspector General of CTD Azad Khan stated during a press conference that those arrested had confessed to working as agents for the Indian agency. "Based on technical information, four suspects—Umair Asghar, Sajjad, Ubaid, and Shakeel—were arrested on July 8. Upon investigation, there was proof of their links to RAW," Khan revealed .

Modus Operandi and International Connections

The investigation uncovered an elaborate operation orchestrated from abroad by an Indian handler identified as Sanjay Kumar alias Fauji, based in a Gulf state. According to CTD officials, Kumar recruited a Pakistani national named Salman who traveled to Hyderabad and stayed at a hotel while coordinating the operation .

"On May 12, Salman travelled to Hyderabad and stayed at a hotel. His four accomplices came from Muridke and Sheikhpura," explained AIG Azad Khan. "They monitored the target's movements for five days before three of the suspects—Shakeel, Ubaid and Sajjad—went to Matli to carry out the killing" .

The CTD confirmed that RAW had transferred significant funds through banking channels and other sources to finance the operation, with approximately 3 million rupees ($10,000) paid to the suspects for carrying out the killing .

Table: Key Suspects and Their Alleged Roles

Suspect Name Alleged Role Status

Sanjay Kumar (Fauji) Indian handler based in Gulf country At large

Salman Local coordinator Fled to Nepal

Umair Asghar Terror financing In custody

Muhammad Arsalan Terror financing Remanded to CTD

Sajad, Ubaid, Shakeel Direct perpetrators In custody

Pattern of Espionage Activities

This incident represents merely the latest in a series of alleged RAW activities uncovered by Pakistani security agencies. In June, four suspected Indian agents were arrested in Karachi's Quaidabad area for allegedly photographing sensitive installations and sending the information to RAW using specialized software .

Similarly, in a separate operation, Pakistan's Special Investigation Unit (SIU) arrested four RAW agents in Karachi who were reportedly in direct contact with Indian Army Colonel Ranjit. These individuals had allegedly crossed the Indian border more than 20 times and were sending geotagged military locations to their handlers .

Judicial Proceedings and Ongoing Investigations

On Monday, an anti-terrorism court in Karachi remanded suspect Muhammad Arsalan to CTD custody in a case pertaining to alleged terror financing and facilitation in the targeted killing. The investigating officer stated that Arsalan had been apprehended on August 17 and booked under sections of the Anti-Terrorism Act related to fund raising .

CTD officials claim that initial interrogation revealed Arsalan and Umair's involvement in terror financing, while the remaining suspects were directly linked to the targeted killing. "An Indian national had given them the target and paid Rs3 million," the CTD stated .

Regional Context of Proxy Conflict

These developments occur against a backdrop of long-standing tensions between India and Pakistan, with both nations regularly accusing each other of supporting terrorist groups and conducting covert operations .

According to security analysts, Pakistan has historically supported various designated terrorist organizations as part of its foreign policy, particularly in relation to Kashmir and Afghanistan . The Brookings Institution notes that Pakistan has provided direct military and intelligence aid to groups like the Afghan Taliban and Haqqani network, resulting in significant destabilization of Afghanistan .

Conversely, Pakistan has consistently accused India of using its intelligence agency to support separatist movements and conduct destabilization operations within Pakistani territory. The recent allegations fit into this established pattern of reciprocal accusations .

Table: Comparative Allegations of State-Sponsored Terrorism

Country Alleged Supporters Primary Allegations Major Incidents Cited

Pakistan US, Afghanistan, India Supporting Afghan Taliban, Haqqani network, Kashmir-focused groups Mumbai attacks (2008), Parliament attack (2001) 

India Pakistan RAW operations in Karachi, Balochistan, Sindh Targeted killings in Badin, espionage in Karachi 

International Law Implications

CTD officials have emphasized that such "extra-territorial killings" are considered state-sponsored terrorism under international law. "They use criminal elements, terrorist groups and proxies. That was also the modus operandi in this case, as evident in the facts on RAW's involvement during our investigation," stated AIG Azad Khan .

This assessment aligns with definitions used by the United States State Department, which describes state sponsors of terrorism as countries that have "repeatedly provided support for acts of international terrorism" .

Regional Security Implications

The exposed network and ongoing investigations highlight the precarious security situation in South Asia, where cross-border terrorism remains a persistent threat. According to the U.S. State Department's Country Reports on Terrorism, Pakistan experienced a more than 50 percent increase in terrorist attacks in 2023 compared to the previous year, with attacks concentrated primarily in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces along the border with Afghanistan .

The report notes that major terrorist groups conducting attacks in Pakistan included the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), the Balochistan Liberation Army, and local ISIS branches .

Conclusion and Next Steps

The CTD has vowed to expose what it characterizes as state-sponsored terrorism and raise the matter at international forums. Investigators indicate that more arrests are expected as probes into suspects' statements, recoveries, bank transactions, and RAW's alleged role continue .

These developments come at a sensitive time in regional relations, with both countries preparing for diplomatic engagements at the United General Assembly next month. Security analysts suggest that these allegations will likely further strain India-Pakistan relations, which have been particularly tense since the 2019 Pulwama attack and subsequent Balakot airstrikes.

The Pakistani government is expected to formally present its evidence to international bodies including the United Nations Security Council and the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), which has previously kept Pakistan on its "grey list" for inadequate control over terrorist financing .

As of publication time, Indian officials had not responded to requests for comment on these specific allegations. Historically, India has denied similar accusations from Pakistan, countering that they represent attempts to divert attention from Pakistan's own support for terrorist organizations operating against India .

This story is developing and will be updated as more information becomes available.