The intercepts offer Indian Army crucial insight into Pakistan’s defensive strategy, revealing a shaken military establishment bracing for further escalation. They underscore the strategic imbalance at the LoC
NEW DELHI: Internal communications intercepted by Indian officials along the Line of Control (LoC) reveal that the Pakistan army, gripped by fear of, is scrambling to reinforce its defences after the recent terror attack in Pahalgam.
According to Indian military sources, the intercepts expose a force on edge, anticipating a major Indian retaliation.
The first intercept between officials posted at a specific forward post and their commanders, recorded last week at 9:45 AM at an undisclosed location in Kashmir, captures the sentiment immediate of the Pahalgam incident.
Transmitted in Urdu over a VHF channel, the message describes the situation as “very bad,” with orders asking the soldiers to be on high alert with guns pointed toward the enemy side 24×7.
Pakistani troops were instructed to ready artillery for direct fire, ensure enough ammunition stockpiles were in place, and coordinate with a unit codenamed ‘Zoe.’
The urgency and tone reflected a military command caught off guard and deeply concerned about a swift Indian military response.
It is pertinent to mention that post the 22 April Pahalgam massacre, the various arms of Pakistani military– army, air force and navy– are in a state of heightened emergency with leaves being cancelled, officials being sent to forward posts and increase in patrolling at land, air and water, waiting for an Indian retaliation.
On Wednesday morning, Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar in an unusual middle of the night post on X, had claimed that Pakistan had credible intelligence that India intends carrying out military action against Pakistan in the next 24-36 hours.
This, sources believe, was put out in public domain to deter India from initiating a military attack and build a global public sentiment in support of the Pakistan establishment.
A second intercept, captured at 8:10 PM the same day, indicates worsening conditions. The message describes the situation as “much worse than before,” while highlighting fatigue and pressure along Pakistani defensive lines.
It also referenced seeking backup from a unit codenamed ‘Markhor’—likely a mountain artillery division equipped with long-range 155mm howitzers, positioned to support frontline positions.
Military analysts believe the ‘Markhor’ unit serves as a critical fall-back for Pakistan’s forces, aimed at countering India’s artillery superiority in the rugged LoC terrain.
These intercepts offer the Indian Army crucial insight into Pakistan’s defensive strategy, revealing a shaken military establishment bracing for further escalation. They also underscore the strategic imbalance at the LoC, with Pakistani forces relying heavily on rear artillery to mask front-line vulnerabilities.