ISI Seeks Hamas Link to Revive Kashmir Terror Propaganda, Meetings with Jaish and Lashkar Under Scanner

October 31, 2026

New Delhi: Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) is allegedly trying to link the Palestine cause with Kashmir to strengthen its terror propaganda and attract fresh recruits in Jammu and Kashmir. Security agencies have flagged several meetings between Hamas operatives and Pakistan-based terror groups Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), reportedly held with the support of the ISI.

Officials believe the effort is not limited to sharing operational tactics. The larger objective is to present the Palestine and Kashmir issues as part of a common resistance movement and use Hamas’s involvement to influence people in Jammu and Kashmir.

Rawalot Meeting Brought Hamas, Jaish and Lashkar Together

One such meeting was held in Rawalot on February 5, 2025. It involved operatives of Hamas, Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba and was titled Kashmir Solidarity and Hamas Operation Al-Aqsa Flood.

According to an Intelligence Bureau official, the meeting focused on sharing ideas and organisational experience. Operational issues, including the use of drones, were also discussed.

However, the official said the main intention was to bring the Palestine cause and Kashmir issue together under a common narrative.

Officials believe the groups want to project both as resistance movements and use this messaging to attract support in Jammu and Kashmir.

Hamas Videos and Images May Be Used for Recruitment

An official said attempts are being made to circulate photographs and videos of these meetings among people in Kashmir.

The aim, according to officials, is to make local people identify with the cause and encourage them to join hands with these outfits.

Another official said the ISI is looking at Hamas as a way to revive its influence in Kashmir. Since the abrogation of Article 370, the narrative promoted by Pakistan has reportedly lost support among sections of the local population.

“There are very few takers for the moment anymore as they realise that there is no gain in picking up a stone or a gun to fuel violence,” the official said.

The official added that the Hamas connection could help Pakistan project Kashmir as an issue receiving support from international terror groups.

“Even international terror groups are coming forward and describing the Kashmir cause as a resistance-driven movement,” the official said.

Officials fear that this propaganda could influence some people and create opportunities for fresh recruitment.

Hamas-Style Tactics Also Under Watch

Security officials believe the Hamas-Jaish-Lashkar nexus may also try to change its operational tactics in Jammu and Kashmir.

Hamas-style attacks are reportedly among the methods being discussed. However, officials say the larger concern is the attempt to draw local people into the activities of these groups.

They consider this propaganda push more dangerous than the operational changes that Jaish and Lashkar may attempt with Hamas’s help.

ISI Concerned Over Declining Terror Recruitment

Officials said the situation in Jammu and Kashmir has changed since the abrogation of Article 370. Terror activity and recruitment have declined, while tourism has received a boost.

Several overground worker (OGW) networks have also been dismantled, making it more difficult for ISI-backed groups to operate.

The ideology and narrative promoted by Pakistan to draw local people into militancy are also believed to be losing ground.

Officials suspect that the ISI is now trying to use the Hamas connection to give its Kashmir propaganda a new dimension and regain support for its activities in the region.