New Delhi: The 2025 terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed the lives of 26 tourists was directed and controlled from Pakistan, according to a chargesheet filed by the National Investigation Agency. The investigation has revealed that the entire conspiracy behind the attack was planned across the border, with handlers in Pakistan coordinating the terrorists involved in the operation.
The chargesheet identifies Saifullah alias Sajid Jatt alias “Langda”, a member of Lashkar-e-Taiba and its proxy outfit The Resistance Front, as the key handler operating from Lahore. Investigators said he remained in constant communication with the attackers and provided real time directions, coordinates, hideout locations and escape plans during the assault in Pahalgam.
According to the probe, Saifullah sent three terrorists identified as Faisal Jatt alias Suleiman, Habib Tahir alias Chhotu and Hamza Afghani to conduct reconnaissance of the Baisaran Valley area on April 15 and 16, shortly before the attack. The operatives reportedly studied tourist movement patterns and local security arrangements before carrying out the strike.
The chargesheet further states that the terror outfits attempted to create confusion after the attack by spreading a “false flag” narrative online. Initially, The Resistance Front claimed responsibility through a Telegram channel named “Kashmir Fight”. However, after international condemnation and criticism from the United Nations Security Council, the group later denied involvement and claimed the account had been hacked.
Technical analysis by the National Investigation Agency found that the “Kashmir Fight” Telegram channel originated from Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region, while another linked channel operated from Rawalpindi.
Investigators also traced two mobile phones recovered from terrorists killed during Operation Mahadev to purchases made in Pakistan, including locations in Lahore and Karachi.
The attack later triggered India’s military response under Operation Sindoor, during which Indian forces targeted terror infrastructure and launchpads inside Pakistan using precision strikes, drones and cruise missiles.
