Pakistan claims to have “credible evidence” of Indian agents’ involvement in two killings on Pakistani soil.
Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary, Syrus Qazi, asserted that evidence claims point to a “sophisticated and sinister” Indian operation of extraterritorial and extrajudicial assassinations.
During a press conference in Islamabad, Qazi described these incidents as killings-for-hire, part of an international network spanning multiple jurisdictions. He criticized India’s actions, suggesting they undermine its credibility as a responsible global player.
Relations between Islamabad and New Delhi have been fraught, worsened by the Kulbushan Yadav spy case in 2016 and the 2019 revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status by India. This move, seen as violating international laws, halted diplomacy and trade between the neighbours.
Pakistan insists on restoring Jammu and Kashmir’s special status as a precondition for normalizing ties with India, a demand that has been ongoing for over four years.
This statement from Pakistan follows accusations from Canada and the United States against Indian agents for assassination attempts. While India has dismissed Canada’s allegations and is investigating the U.S. claims, Qazi detailed India’s alleged campaign of killings in Pakistan.
He accused Indian agents of using technology and foreign safe havens for these assassinations involving criminals, terrorists, and civilians. Qazi criticized Indian media and social media for glorifying these killings and showcasing India’s capability for such illegal acts.
He explained the operation’s structure, which involved social media, talent scouts, and fake accounts for recruitment. Teams handled financing, locating targets, and executing assassinations. Qazi emphasized the efforts made to cover tracks after these operations.
Foreign Secretary Syrus Qazi disclosed evidence of two assassinations in Pakistan, implicating Indian agents. He highlighted the cases of Shahid Latif and Muhammad Riaz, with further investigations pending.
On October 11, 2023, criminals in Sialkot killed Latif outside a mosque. Qazi revealed that Indian agent Yogesh Kumar, operating from a third country, directed this assassination. Kumar hired Muhammad Umair, a labourer, to coordinate with Pakistani criminals for Latif’s assassination.
These criminals located Latif but initially failed to kill him. Umair then personally led the successful assassination on October 11 after a failed attempt on October 9. Pakistani law enforcement arrested the culprits, including Umair, thwarting their escape plan on October 12.
Qazi confirmed the capture of all individuals involved in the reconnaissance and assassination. He also mentioned financial transactions linking them to Yogesh Kumar.
In the case of Muhammad Riaz, Qazi stated another Indian agent’s involvement in his killing at a Rawalakot mosque during Fajr prayer on September 8, 2023. The killer, Muhammad Abdullah Ali, was apprehended at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport on September 15. Interrogations revealed that Indian agents Ashok Kumar Anand and Yogesh Kumar recruited Ali via Telegram. Ali received funds and weapons from a third country.
After a failed attempt on September 7, Ali succeeded in assassinating Riaz on September 8. Authorities arrested Ali’s accomplices across Pakistan, and the case is in court.
Investigators identified the facilitators based on Ali’s confessions and technical evidence. Qazi announced the release of passport details for Kumar and Anand and Pakistan’s outreach to relevant third countries.
Qazi emphasized the sophistication and boldness of these Indian-sponsored acts. He noted their similarity to cases in Canada and the U.S., suggesting a global pattern.
He accused India of violating international law and Pakistan’s sovereignty, demanding international accountability. Qazi stressed the importance of bringing the assassins, facilitators, and financiers to justice.
Concluding, Qazi affirmed Pakistan’s commitment to protect its citizens and uphold its sovereignty, prioritizing the safety of Pakistanis and foreigners on its soil.
Lastly, Qazi referred to the Daska mosque shooting of Shahid Latif, a Jaish-e-Muhammad activist, linking it to these cases. Pakistan labelled the involved nation as “rogue” for this terrorist act.
