Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) has reportedly shifted its operational priorities regarding fugitive underworld don Dawood Ibrahim, with intelligence inputs suggesting the agency is now focused primarily on securing him at a location near Karachi port rather than leveraging his network for active operations. The move, according to officials, is aimed at shielding his narcotics network from international scrutiny while reducing exposure for Islamabad.

Why the ISI Has Changed Tack

According to intelligence officials, the ISI's pivot away from using Dawood for operations stems from a combination of factors: his deteriorating health, mounting security pressures following Operation Sindoor in May last year, and the disruption of established supply chains after the arrest of his close aide Salim Dola. The operation reportedly forced Dawood to change his movements and operating pattern significantly.

'He is currently living near a port in Karachi, and this location was chosen so that he could make a quick escape in case of an Indian operation that would look to target him,' an official said.

An Intelligence Bureau (IB) official further explained the rationale: if Dawood were killed in a targeted operation, it would conclusively confirm that Pakistan has been sheltering him — a reality Islamabad has vehemently denied for years. The port location thus serves both as a potential exit route and as a buffer against geopolitical exposure.

Operation Sindoor's Lasting Impact on D-Company

While Operation Sindoor inflicted significant damage on Pakistan's terror infrastructure, it also fundamentally altered the operating environment for the so-called D-Company. Officials say the syndicate, which has been running narcotics smuggling networks into India for several years, is now under heightened strain. 'Today, when it comes to Dawood, the ISI is focusing more on ensuring his protection rather than using him for operations,' the IB official said.

The ISI has historically relied on the Dawood network to fund terror outfits including Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). With those funding pipelines under pressure, intelligence inputs suggest the agency is keen to expand narcotics smuggling substantially — with a particular push reportedly being made through Punjab.

Succession Battle Complicates ISI's Plans

Beyond the external pressure, D-Company is also grappling with an internal succession struggle, according to officials. Chhota Shakeel reportedly believes he has contributed more to the syndicate's operations than any other figure and positions himself as the natural successor. However, Dawood's family is said to be backing his brother Anees Ibrahim to take charge.

The uncertainty has dented operational morale. 'Dawood is a cult figure for the syndicate, and with him not to be seen, many of the operatives have developed low morale,' one official noted. Senior figures including Anees Ibrahim and Haji Salim continue to run day-to-day operations, but the leadership vacuum is visible.

India's Crackdown and What It Means Going Forward

The Narendra Modi government's intensified anti-narcotics drive has added further pressure on the ISI's funding calculus. Enforcement agencies in India are reportedly maintaining relentless pursuit of narcotics networks, and officials say a weakened D-Company offers an opportunity to crack cases and dismantle supply chains more effectively.

Pakistan's exposure is further compounded by scrutiny from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), making it increasingly important for the ISI to conceal Dawood's presence — given his alleged centrality to terror financing, counterfeiting, and money laundering. 'It cannot afford so many problems, especially with this syndicate, at a time when it wants to raise funds in a big way through narcotics smuggling,' an official said.

How Indian agencies exploit the current fragmentation within D-Company may well determine the trajectory of cross-border narcotics flows in the months ahead.