Pakistan ISI’s New Low: 15-Year-Old Arrested in Pathankot for Espionage Activities

In a deeply concerning development with serious national security implications, Punjab Police have arrested a 15-year-old boy in Pathankot on charges of spying for Inter-Services Intelligence. The arrest has triggered alarm within security agencies, as it highlights an emerging and disturbing trend of minors being targeted and recruited for espionage activities.

According to preliminary investigations, the teenager hails from the Samba district of Jammu and had allegedly been in contact with handlers linked to Pakistan’s intelligence establishment for more than a year. Officials believe the minor was systematically groomed and instructed to gather and share sensitive information related to strategic locations and security movements.

The arrest was made in Pathankot, a region of high strategic importance due to its proximity to the international border and the presence of key defence installations. Security agencies have long regarded the area as vulnerable to cross-border threats, making the involvement of a minor in espionage particularly alarming.

Investigators revealed that the accused allegedly transmitted confidential details through social media platforms and encrypted messaging applications. These digital channels are believed to have been used to avoid detection while maintaining regular contact with handlers across the border. Authorities are currently analysing the devices recovered from the teenager to determine the extent of information shared and whether additional individuals may have been involved.

Senior officials described the case as a “grave shift” in espionage tactics, pointing out that using minors allows handlers to exploit vulnerability, emotional immaturity, and limited understanding of the consequences. Security experts warn that this strategy reflects a calculated attempt to bypass traditional intelligence surveillance by targeting individuals who are less likely to be suspected initially.

Following the arrest, Punjab Police have issued a state-wide alert, urging heightened vigilance across border districts. Law enforcement agencies have been asked to closely monitor online activity, particularly involving young individuals in sensitive areas, to detect early signs of radicalisation or coercion.

The case has also raised broader concerns about the role of digital platforms in facilitating cross-border espionage. Officials noted that social media continues to be exploited as a tool for recruitment, indoctrination, and communication, especially among impressionable youth. Cyber surveillance units are now working in coordination with intelligence agencies to track similar patterns and prevent further incidents.

Security analysts believe the development underscores the need for increased awareness among parents, schools, and local communities in border regions. Experts stress that early education about online safety, national security risks, and suspicious digital interactions is essential to prevent exploitation of minors.

Authorities are also examining whether the minor was lured with financial incentives, emotional manipulation, or ideological influence. While the investigation is still ongoing, officials have indicated that the focus will remain on dismantling the network involved rather than solely on the individual accused.

The incident adds to growing concerns about Pakistan’s intelligence operations targeting India’s internal security through unconventional methods. As geopolitical tensions persist, agencies are bracing for more sophisticated and ethically troubling tactics.

For now, the arrest in Pathankot stands as a stark reminder of evolving security challenges, prompting renewed calls for stronger cyber monitoring, community engagement, and coordinated intelligence efforts to safeguard vulnerable populations and national interests.