The Pakistan Army has its intelligence organization, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), which supports it closely. The ISI has been secretly providing support to anti-India terror organizations such as Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), and Hizbul Mujahideen (HM). They provide them with economic support, logistic support, military supplies, and direct combat training.
As a reaction to the sanctions imposed by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), Pakistan's armed forces have rebranded various terrorist outfits working in Jammu and Kashmir, christening them with new names such as The Resistance Front (TRF), People Anti-Fascist Front (PAFF), and Kashmir Tiger (KT).
Such a strategy of redubbing their identity is adopted in order to avoid attention from international monitors while projecting these organizations as homegrown resistance movements. Top military officials from Pakistan also frequently visit the camps of these organizations to monitor and observe terrorist training.
terror groups such as LeT and JeM have been given infrastructure within Pakistan and PoJK to undertake their activities. Most of their training centers, camps, and launch pads are located close to the army installations, health establishments, and government offices, like BHU and PHC, providing a veil for their operations.
The Pakistan army also equips these organizations with sophisticated communication devices such as Long Range (LoRa) kits and Digital Mobile Radios (DMRs) to evade monitoring operations. Moreover, the army is increasing signal range in the International Border (IB) and the Line of Control (LoC), which allows infiltrated terrorists to move easily. Centers like Sarjal–Tehra Kalan are employed in coordination with terrorists across borders.
Though the launch pads and facilities are mainly used for terrorist activities and arms training, mass operations such as propaganda, financing, and religious indoctrination are conducted at major establishments within Pakistan, including the Markaz Taiba (LeT) in Muridke and the Markaz Subhan Allah (JeM) in Bahawalpur. Not only do these centers accommodate important commanders, but they are also the center of radicalization and specialized training in intelligence and handling arms.
Additionally, the facilities are used to inspire recruits for Jihad against India. For example, the JeM chief Masood Azhar gave an anti-India address at the Markaz Subhan Allah in Bahawalpur during December 2024, calling young people to join the conflict. Other establishments such as Markaz Abbas Kotli (JeM) and Markaz Ahle Hadith, Barnala (LeT) are also utilized for the purpose of training, indoctrination, and the coordination of terror operations, including infiltration attempts.
In addition to logistic, financial, and operational aid, the Pakistan Army also offers guerrilla warfare training, specifically by its Special Services Group (SSG). LeT, JeM, and HM terrorists are trained in training camps such as Syedna Bilal (JeM), Shawai Nalla (LeT), and Maskar Raheel Shahid Kotli (HM), where they receive arms training, physical training, and combat readiness training.
Key Terror Facilities in Pakistan
1. Markaz Subhan Allah, Bahawalpur: This has been the central hub of JeM's operations and training since 2015. It was involved in the Pulwama attack in 2019 and is home to key leaders such as Masood Azhar.
2. Markaz Taiba, Muridke: Founded in 2000, it is the primary training camp of LeT, indoctrinating students and training them for jihad. It was involved in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks planning.
3. Sarjal Tehra Kalan: Situated close to the IB in Punjab, this JeM camp is employed for infiltration and cross-border raids, such as smuggling weapons and ammunition.
4. Mehmoona Joya, Sialkot: This Hizbul Mujahideen camp, accommodated in a government health center, is employed for infiltration and weapon training in Jammu and Kashmir.
5. Markaz Ahle Hadith Barnala: PoJK-based LeT center, which serves as a major base for infiltration into India and the planning of terrorist operations.
6. Markaz Abbas, Kotli: A major JeM facility in Kotli, engaged in planning terrorist activities and facilitating infiltration in the Poonch-Rajouri sectors.
7. Maskar Raheel Shahid, Kotli: Hizbul Mujahideen training camp for arms training and specialized operations in difficult terrain.
8. Shawai Nallah Camp, Muzaffarabad: One of the largest LeT camps used to train those who carried out attacks such as Ajmal Kasab in 26/11 attacks and tactical training and recruitment.
9. Markaz Syedna Bilal: Situated at Muzaffarabad, PoJK, it is used as a conduit for JeM terrorists before infiltration into Jammu and Kashmir.
These bases, aided by the ISI and Pakistani military, remain a key factor in the conflict and terrorism that continues to rage in the region.
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