In a significant blow to cross-border espionage, Rajasthan Intelligence has arrested Pathan Khan, a resident of Jaisalmer, for allegedly spying for Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). The arrest, formalized on May 1, 2025, under the Official Secrets Act, 1923, comes after Khan was detained a month ago and subjected to intense interrogation. Authorities revealed that Khan had been sharing sensitive information about the Jaisalmer International Border with ISI operatives, a breach that has raised alarm bells amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan.
According to official statements, Pathan Khan’s involvement with the ISI dates back to 2013, when he visited Pakistan and was reportedly lured with financial incentives. During his time there, he was trained in espionage by ISI officers and tasked with gathering intelligence on India’s border activities. Since then, Khan maintained regular contact with his Pakistani handlers, relaying critical details about the strategically vital Jaisalmer border area—a region that has long been a focal point of India-Pakistan military and intelligence activity. The Jaisalmer border, located near the historic Tanot Mata Temple and the site of the 1971 Longewala battle, is a sensitive zone, with the Border Security Force (BSF) recently introducing an E-Pass system in August 2024 to regulate tourist visits and bolster security.
The arrest coincides with a period of heightened tensions along the India-Pakistan border, particularly following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, which has further strained bilateral relations. OSINT sources indicate that the Pakistani military has been ramping up its presence along the border, deploying air defence and artillery units at forward locations while conducting simultaneous air force exercises such as Fiza-e-Badr, Lalkar-e-Momin, and Zarb-e-Haidari. Local villagers near the Rajasthan border have expressed readiness to support the Indian Army, reflecting a mix of preparedness and patriotism in the face of growing threats.
Pathan Khan’s case sheds light on the persistent challenge of ISI-backed espionage in India, a tactic that has historical roots in the agency’s support for militant groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). LeT, founded in the mid-1980s with funding from figures like Osama bin Laden, has long aimed to destabilize Jammu and Kashmir, often with ISI assistance. Reports suggest the ISI allocates around 24 million rupees monthly to sustain militancy in the region, a strategy that includes recruiting and training individuals like Khan to gather intelligence and facilitate operations.
As investigations continue, authorities are probing whether Khan was part of a larger espionage network operating near India’s borders. This case underscores the ongoing threat of cross-border intelligence operations and the critical need for vigilance in India’s border regions, particularly in areas like Jaisalmer, where national security and tourism intersect. With tensions showing no signs of abating, the Indian government faces the dual challenge of countering espionage while maintaining stability in one of the world’s most volatile geopolitical hotspots.
