ISI Shifts Khalistan Strategy, Eyes Political Infiltration in Punjab Ahead of Elections: Intelligence Officials

August 4, 2026

New Delhi: Pakistan’s intelligence agency Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) is attempting to adopt a new strategy to push the Khalistan agenda in Punjab by encouraging sympathisers to enter mainstream political parties ahead of the upcoming elections, intelligence officials have warned.

According to officials, the move comes after repeated attempts to revive the separatist movement in Punjab failed to gain significant ground. The new approach is reportedly aimed at influencing political discourse from within the democratic system.

ISI Looking to Enter Mainstream Politics Through Sympathisers

Intelligence officials said the strategy allegedly involves identifying individuals who support the Khalistan ideology and encouraging them to either join established political parties or contest elections independently.

Officials claimed that the approach resembles a strategy allegedly used by the ISI in Jammu and Kashmir, where overground worker networks were reportedly encouraged to enter mainstream political platforms to push separatist narratives.

Ahead of Punjab elections, security agencies have cautioned political parties to carefully verify new members and remain alert to possible attempts at infiltration.

Security Agencies Track Attempts to Revive Khalistan Agenda

Officials said Indian security agencies have been consistently working to counter attempts to revive the Khalistan movement in Punjab. While some low-intensity incidents linked to such elements have been reported, agencies believe the movement has struggled to maintain sustained activity in the state.

According to officials, increased crackdowns in India and overseas have put pressure on Khalistan-linked networks, forcing them to explore alternative methods of expanding their influence.

They said these groups have previously relied on overseas support, gangster networks and illegal activities, including narcotics smuggling, to fund their operations.

Political Infiltration Could Pose Security Challenge

Intelligence officials warned that attempts to enter political organisations at any level could create security challenges. They said individuals could initially avoid openly associating themselves with separatist ideology but may attempt to promote such narratives after gaining political positions.

Officials said infiltration at grassroots levels could also be a concern if such elements use political platforms and party identities to gain legitimacy for their views.

Security agencies have advised political parties in Punjab to maintain greater scrutiny while inducting new members to prevent any attempt to misuse democratic platforms for separatist activities.