New Delhi, Jan 22 (NationPress) The ISI of Pakistan has orchestrated a collaboration between the Islamic State-Khorasan Province (ISKP) and Lashkar-e-Taiba to engage in conflict in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) against the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which has emerged as a significant security concern for the nation.

Nevertheless, the reality on the ground presents a stark contrast.

The joint efforts of ISKP and Lashkar seem minimal, with the majority of operations being executed by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF). Under the guise of combating the TTP, the PAF has carried out strikes that have resulted in the deaths of nearly 80 civilians in the area.

An official from the Intelligence Bureau notes that the armed forces of Pakistan plan to use overwhelming force against the TTP through aerial attacks. The ISKP and Lashkar are expected to engage once ground operations commence. The official also mentions that a substantial number of terrorists dispatched to KP are aiming to infiltrate into Jammu and Kashmir.

The ISI is attempting to establish 'fidayeen' units in Jammu and Kashmir, targeting tourist destinations specifically. The tourism sector in Jammu and Kashmir suffered after the Pahalgam attack, but it has since rebounded and begun to flourish again in the Union Territory.

Another official indicated that if ISKP and Lashkar operatives succeed in infiltrating Jammu and Kashmir, it would pose a formidable challenge to security agencies. Their combined capabilities could result in significant destruction if their plans materialize. This situation clarifies the intensified search operations being conducted by the Indian Army in Jammu and Kashmir.

An official stated that intelligence regarding the infiltration of Lashkar-ISKP operatives is of the highest grade and actionable. The Indian Army is exercising extreme caution and has ramped up search operations to eliminate terrorists and thwart any infiltration attempts.

This operation is under the supervision of ISI official Brigadier Faiq Ayub and X Corps Commander Lt General Ahsan Nawaz.

Officials assert that this operation, orchestrated by the ISI in Jammu and Kashmir, further exposes Pakistan's intentions. By uniting Lashkar and ISKP under the pretext of battling the TTP, Pakistan disregards the fact that both groups are recognized globally as terrorist organizations.

Confronting the TTP is just one aspect of the broader scheme, which aims to assemble a deadly squad to target tourist hotspots in Jammu and Kashmir, according to Intelligence Bureau officials.

Officials noted that the Pahalgam incident was intended to disrupt the tourism sector. However, the ISI is disappointed and astonished by the tourism industry’s quick recovery. Consequently, it has planned a series of coordinated attacks on 20 tourist hubs in Jammu and Kashmir, as per intelligence assessments.

If the ISI succeeds in executing this plan, reminiscent of the Mumbai 26/11 attack, the tourism industry would suffer immensely, and recovery would take considerable time. One of the primary reasons for the current peace in Kashmir is the thriving businesses, which have significantly reduced youth unemployment. A blow to the tourism sector could lead to rising unemployment, pushing the youth towards extremism. This is precisely what Pakistan aims to exploit, say officials.