The investigation into the 2025 Pahalgam terror attack has uncovered a significant connection to Pakistan, revealing that the mobile phones used by the attackers were imported and activated shortly before the incident. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has traced one of the phones to a Karachi-based bank,Faysal Bank, which has a history of involvement in terrorism financing.
Authorities determined that two Xiaomi phones,a Redmi 9T and a Redmi Note 12,were linked to a well-orchestrated plot rather than a spontaneous act of violence. Evidence indicates that one of the devices was purchased in Pakistan four years prior to the attack and remained inactive until just before the assault. This suggests a sophisticated network providing logistical and technical support to terrorists.
The phones were recovered during Operation Mahadev,which targeted three individuals—Suleman Shah, Habib Tahir (alias Jibran),and Hamza Afghan—who were involved in the attack. The Redmi 9T was imported in January 2021, while Redmi Note 12 arrived in 2023. Investigators contacted Xiaomi Global to verify the supply history of these devices,confirming their links to Pakistan.
Faysal Bank's involvement raises serious concerns. The bank was listed as the funding with delivery address linked to its headquarters. Although banks typically provide letters of trade,the presence of Faysal Bank's name on import documents does not constitute direct evidence of wrongdoing. Nonetheless,the bank has faced scrutiny due to previous allegations of maintaining accounts for banned organizations and its mention in lawsuits related to the 9/11 attacks in the United States.
Despite these allegations,Faysal Bank has consistently denied any wrongdoing, claiming it took action against accounts once sanctions were imposed . The inactivity of the phones for years before their sudden use in the attack suggests a calculated strategy involving a broader conspiracy that may include terrorist networks and intelligence agencies.
The second phone, Redmi Note 12,was imported by Lahore-based Air Link Communications Limited and also remained unused until just prior to the attack. Investigators believe this pattern cannot be coincidental. The NIA suspects that both phones were intentionally set aside for specific purpose,possibly stored securely until they were needed by the attackers .
As the investigation continues, authorities are expanding their focus beyond the immediate perpetrators to include the intricate web of support that facilitated the attack. The findings underscore the complexities of terrorism financing and the challenges faced by law enforcement in dismantling such networks.
With the evidence mounting,the NIA is poised to delve deeper into the connections between the attackers and the financial institutions that may have unwittingly or knowingly supported their operations. The implications of this investigation extend beyond the borders of India, potentially impacting international relations and counter-terrorism efforts in the region .
