Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) operates a secretive unit called S1, which has been involved in terror attacks against India. Intelligence sources report that S1 has been active from the 1993 Mumbai blasts to the recent Pahalgam attack on tourists in Jammu and Kashmir.
What is S1?
S1, or “Subversion 1,” is one of Pakistan’s most covert terror units. A Colonel from the Pakistani Army heads it, while two senior officers, codenamed Gazi 1 and Gazi 2, manage field operations.
The unit operates from Islamabad, and drug money funds most of its activities.
Training and Operations
S1 personnel train terrorists in explosives, improvised devices, and small arms handling. They also keep detailed maps of key locations in India, helping them plan attacks effectively.
The unit has operated for 25 years, remaining largely undetected by Indian security agencies until recently.
Links to Terror Groups
S1 works closely with major Pakistani terror organizations, including:
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Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM)
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Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT)
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Hizbul Mujahideen
Members blend into camps by wearing local attire and growing long beards, keeping their true identities secret. Often, terrorists trained by S1 do not know the origin of their instructors.
Over the past two decades, thousands of terrorists have been trained by this unit, making it a key threat to India’s security.
Significance for India
The S1 revelation highlights ongoing threats from cross-border terrorism. Indian security agencies are closely monitoring the unit and increasing border vigilance and intelligence efforts.
By exposing S1, authorities aim to prevent future attacks and disrupt terror networks.
