NIA Exposes Pakistan’s Role in Pahalgam Attack: Terrorists Linked to ISI, Probe Reveals

A Shocking Revelation in Pahalgam 
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has uncovered a chilling conspiracy behind the April 22, 2025, terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Baisaran Valley, Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives, mostly tourists. The NIA’s preliminary report points to a direct operational link between Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), confirming that the attack was orchestrated with active support from Pakistani state actors. This revelation has intensified scrutiny on Pakistan’s role in sponsoring cross-border terrorism, reigniting tensions between the two nations.
Unveiling the ISI-LeT Nexus 
The NIA’s investigation reveals that the terrorists, including two confirmed Pakistani nationals, Hashim Musa and Ali Bhai, were in constant contact with ISI handlers based in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The attackers, aided by around 20 overground workers (OGWs), conducted meticulous reconnaissance of four potential sites before choosing Baisaran Valley due to its minimal security presence. The probe also uncovered digital footprints traced to safe houses in Muzaffarabad and Karachi, suggesting a sophisticated control-room operation reminiscent of the 2008 Mumbai attacks. This evidence underscores the ISI’s role in providing logistical and strategic support to LeT operatives.
Local Support and Tactical Execution 
The NIA has detained over 150 individuals, including OGWs and members of banned groups like Jamaat-e-Islami, for interrogation. These local aides provided shelter, navigation, and reconnaissance, enabling the terrorists to infiltrate Kashmir weeks before the attack. The attackers, equipped with military-grade weapons and body cameras, executed a coordinated assault, exploiting the region’s dense forests to escape. The NIA’s analysis of CCTV footage and survivor testimonies has further mapped the terrorists’ movements, highlighting their reliance on a well-established local network.
India’s Response and Global Implications 
India has responded decisively, suspending the Indus Water Treaty and downgrading diplomatic ties with Pakistan. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has vowed to pursue the perpetrators relentlessly. The international community, including the US and Israel, has condemned the attack, urging action against state-sponsored terrorism. As the NIA continues its probe, the findings could reshape India’s counter-terrorism strategy and regional geopolitics, exposing Pakistan’s persistent role in destabilizing the region.