Pakistan Empties Terror Camps Amid India Strike Fears

Following the Pahalgam terror attack, Pakistan vacates key terror launchpads across LoC, fearing Indian retaliation.

Pakistan Retreats: Terror Camps Vacated After Pahalgam Attack

In the wake of the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, Pakistan has quietly emptied out several of its terror launchpads across the Line of Control (LoC), signaling nervous anticipation of possible Indian military retaliation. The swift retreat by militants and their facilitators from key staging areas in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) underscores growing pressure on Islamabad and mounting fear of a Balakot-style response.

Terror Launchpads Go Silent After International Outcry

According to senior Indian security officials, fresh intelligence assessments reveal that at least three major terror hubs near the international border—Shakargarh near Kathua, Samahni near Nowshera, and Sukhmal near Hiranagar—were vacated shortly after the April 22 attack in Pahalgam. Each of these camps previously housed 10 to 12 operatives from notorious outfits like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), reportedly awaiting orders to infiltrate Indian territory.

“These camps have gone dark,” confirmed a senior intelligence source, noting that both terrorists and Pakistan’s own military facilitators—the Pakistan Army and Rangers—have pulled back from their positions. The sudden disappearance has all the hallmarks of strategic retreat, not logistical shuffle.

Echoes of Balakot Strike Loom Large

The Pahalgam attack, which claimed the lives of several non-local civilians and injured security personnel, drew widespread international condemnation. Intelligence experts believe Pakistan’s response stems from a painful memory: India’s 2019 surgical airstrikes on terror infrastructure in Balakot following the Pulwama bombing.

“Pakistan understands the risk. After Pahalgam, global scrutiny is back, and there’s serious concern that India might strike again. Preemptively vacating launchpads is a calculated move to reduce visibility and avoid retaliation,” said an Indian defense analyst who spoke on condition of anonymity.

ISI’s Shadow and a Former Soldier-Turned-Terrorist

Investigations into the Pahalgam incident have revealed deeper layers of transnational conspiracy. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has identified the attacker, Hashim Musa, as a former member of Pakistan’s Special Services Group (SSG), the elite commando unit of the Pakistan Army. Sources say Musa was “loaned” to Lashkar-e-Taiba by Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) to coordinate precision strikes against civilians and forces in Kashmir.

This direct linkage between a serving or ex-military operative and a banned terror group adds further weight to India’s claims that Pakistan is complicit in state-sponsored terrorism.

Encrypted App ‘Ultra’ Reveals Terror Planning Trail

One of the most troubling revelations from the ongoing probe is the use of a highly secure encrypted app, Ultra, by Pakistani handlers to communicate with their Kashmir-based assets. Surveillance intercepted conversations originating from Tral, coinciding precisely with the timing of the Pahalgam assault.

Through this channel, overground workers (OGWs) in Kashmir reportedly coordinated logistical support and reconnaissance for the attackers. At least 15 local individuals are under investigation for facilitating the infiltration and execution of the terror plot.

“The encryption is end-to-end and highly advanced, making real-time monitoring a major challenge. But the digital trail—however faint—is beginning to uncover the extent of collaboration between local operatives and Pakistani handlers,” said a senior counter-terrorism official.

Strategic Silence or Tactical Reset?

Pakistan’s decision to temporarily dismantle forward terror posts raises critical questions. Is this merely a pause to recalibrate tactics, or a sign of growing international pressure taking effect?

Experts suggest the answer may lie somewhere in between. While fear of Indian reprisal remains a major driver, Pakistan’s diplomatic isolation and economic vulnerability—especially post-G7 condemnation and India’s trade freeze—are forcing Islamabad to rethink its playbook, at least publicly.

Conclusion: A Tactical Retreat, Not the End

The sudden emptiness of terror camps across PoK doesn’t mark an end to cross-border terrorism—it signals a tactical retreat. The machinery remains intact, but the operators have gone into hiding. What happens next will likely depend on whether Pakistan faces sustained diplomatic pressure or slips back into old patterns under a fresh smokescreen.

For India, the priority remains clear: tighten border surveillance, neutralize local networks, and call out state-backed terrorism on global platforms. Meanwhile, for the US and other international stakeholders, this moment offers an opportunity to press Pakistan into genuine, verifiable action against terror groups operating on its soil.

Disclaimer:
This article is based on intelligence reports and official statements from Indian security agencies. Allegations and claims regarding Pakistan’s involvement are subject to ongoing investigations and international scrutiny. The narrative reflects the current situation and may evolve with new developments.

source : The Times of India