New Delhi, Jan 26 (NationPress) Operation Sindoor has initiated a significant transformation in Pakistan's national security strategy. The ISI, regarded as one of the most formidable intelligence agencies globally, was caught off guard during this operation, as the Indian military successfully targeted numerous terror launch pads and critical infrastructure.

This oversight has resulted in considerable embarrassment for the ISI.

An official noted that the agency's failure was largely due to its reliance on outdated human intelligence methods in a rapidly evolving landscape. There has been minimal enhancement in their digital capabilities, the source added.

Another official indicated that the ISI is transitioning from traditional human intelligence to a more technology-driven approach. The inadequacies in the ISI's operational methods were starkly highlighted by the actions of the Indian armed forces.

In the aftermath of the operation, the ISI and other Pakistani agencies conducted a thorough evaluation. It was concluded that funding must increase significantly to boost digital capabilities.

New technical equipment is being procured to improve data-driven surveillance and secure communications.

Moreover, the objective is to lessen reliance on Western and Chinese technologies, which Pakistan has depended on for years.

An official from the Intelligence Bureau stated that the ISI is in the midst of overhauling its traditional intelligence-gathering methods to better identify internal and external threats.

Besides 'Operation Sindoor', other factors necessitating this transformation include the internal challenges facing Pakistan.

The Pakistani Army has suffered considerable setbacks from groups like the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Baloch Nationalist Army (BLA) due to inadequate intelligence. Reports indicate that during numerous attacks, the Pakistan Army appeared defenseless, underscoring the weaknesses in intelligence collection.

Furthermore, Pakistan is under pressure from both China and the United States to enhance security in Balochistan. The US seeks rare earths from the region, while China is focused on safeguarding the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project.

As CPEC 2.0 is being developed, which includes Afghanistan, establishing a robust intelligence framework is critical for Pakistan.

Pakistan has also increased its defense budget by nearly 20 percent, with $9 billion allocated for the current year. A significant portion of these funds will enhance intelligence capabilities, technology, and cybersecurity.

Indian officials assert that the initiatives Pakistan is pursuing may take time, as they have been slow to adapt to technological advancements in their intelligence sector.

The ISI has been preoccupied with schemes in Bangladesh or orchestrating attacks in India, neglecting the internal threats it faces.

The BLA and TTP exemplify how Pakistan's intelligence agencies have been caught unaware, the official added.

Regarding defense funding, the official remarked that there is no assurance that the entire budget would be utilized for its intended purposes.

The Pakistani establishment is rife with corruption, and over the years, this narrative has remained largely unchanged. Generals in Pakistan are known for their lavish lifestyles while the populace struggles through an economic crisis, the official noted.

This pattern seems unlikely to change, with generals expected to take a large share of the defense budget.