Pakistan-Based Militant Groups Recruiting Women Through Covert Training, Indian Intelligence Says

Indian intelligence agencies have assessed that Pakistan-based militant groups are recruiting women through covert training programmes disguised as vocational and religious education, according to reports published by Indian media on Monday, July 13. According to News18, citing senior Indian security officials, the assessment is based on months of intelligence gathering and suggests that several Pakistan-based militant organisations have introduced specialised programmes aimed at identifying and recruiting women for support and operational roles. The report says the courses typically last between two and four weeks and are presented as vocational training, religious instruction and personal development programmes. Indian officials cited by News18 allege that the underlying objective is to prepare selected participants for roles within militant networks. According to the report, some madrasas attended by women have allegedly been used to host the programmes. Indian officials claim participants are organised into structured batches and receive role-specific training based on their perceived abilities and suitability. News18 reported that one programme was advertised as being intended for individuals with “strong faith and belief, good character, and a desire to live a purposeful life.” Indian officials allege such language is used to attract recruits before assigning them specialised responsibilities. The report further alleges that, following India’s Operation Sindoor, militant groups adapted their recruitment strategy by placing greater emphasis on women for operational support roles. According to the intelligence assessment cited by News18, the reported training includes logistics, communications, technology-related tasks, intelligence gathering, drone operations and so-called “honey-trap” activities. Indian officials also alleged that intelligence agencies have identified locations in Pakistan, including Bahawalpur and Faisalabad, where some of the alleged training is believed to take place. According to the report, these sites have previously been linked by Indian authorities to militant infrastructure. The assessment further claims that recruitment efforts are being conducted through family and community networks. Indian officials allege that senior members of militant organisations have encouraged female relatives to recruit additional women and that some training is conducted online alongside in-person sessions. The claims have not been independently verified, and Pakistani authorities had not publicly responded to the specific allegations at the time of publication. Pakistan has consistently rejected Indian accusations that it supports militant groups operating against India and maintains that it is committed to combating terrorism within its territory. The allegations come amid longstanding tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours over cross-border militancy and regional security. The post Pakistan-Based Militant Groups Recruiting Women Through Covert Training, Indian Intelligence Says appeared first on Khaama Press.