Pakistan’s new recruits don’t cross the border. They’re Indian teens

In recent years, law enforcement agencies across Pakistan have identified numerous young recruits lured by Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) through social media. These youngsters, mostly Indian teens, are groomed into sleeper cells to carry out activities at the ISI's behest. The alleged operations are led by Pakistani gangster Shehzad Bhatti and his associates.

One such recruited youth is Ashraf Daniyal, a 23-year-old handloom worker from Barabanki in Uttar Pradesh, who was befriended on Instagram by Hamad Memon, an aide of Bhatti. Daniyal was later assigned tasks such as filming a local police station and spreading pamphlets praising Abid Jatt, a known gangster. Daniyal was arrested in May 2025 and a firearm was recovered from his residence, with officials alleging his involvement in targeting key institutions.

Another case involves Amarjit Singh, Karanjit Singh, and Satnam Singh, all 19 and 22 years old, respectively, from Gurdaspur, Punjab. They were arrested in November 2025 for planting a grenade at a Gurdaspur police station. The trio was reportedly contacted by Bhatti's aides via Instagram and promised money for their involvement in criminal activities.

In July 2025, the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) conducted raids in Rajasthan, detaining over 20 young individuals allegedly linked to Bhatti. In these cases, firearms were reportedly smuggled across the border using drones. Bhatti has denied the allegations, posting on social media that he had nothing to do with the youngsters.

Law enforcement officials state that most of these recruited youngsters have not completed their education, come from troubled families, and are struggling with drug or alcohol addiction. They often work in low-paying jobs, such as delivery boys, shop employees, or factory workers. The primary incentive for these youngsters is money, which is paid up front.