NEW DELHI: Pakistan-based terror outfits have launched covert training programmes to recruit women for specialised support roles, using vocational and life-skills courses as a cover, according to the latest assessment by the intelligence agencies, sources said on Sunday.
"The assessment, based on months of intelligence inputs, indicates that the groups are expanding their recruitment strategy by identifying women for roles ranging from logistics and technology support to drone operations, intelligence gathering and honey-trap missions," they said.
They added that the training is reportedly being conducted at Locations including the Lashkar-e-Taiba base in Bahawalpur and Faisalabad, alongside several other long-established terror hubs in Pakistan.
A source in the intelligence agencies said, “The programmes are designed to appear as short-term vocational or personal development courses lasting between two and four weeks, while their actual objective is to identify, groom and induct women into terror support networks. The courses are organised in structured batches, with selected madrasas, particularly those frequented by women from families linked to the organisations, being used to facilitate parts of the training process.”
The agencies believe that the initiative marks a significant change in the recruitment strategy of Pakistan-based terror groups, particularly in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor.
The sources said the new model focuses on identifying the “right women” for specific operational responsibilities instead of relying solely on traditional recruitment channels.
“The training modules are tailored for different roles. Women selected through the programme are reportedly trained in logistical coordination, operational support, technical assistance, drone handling, information collection and surveillance. Some modules also focus on honey-trap operations aimed at luring and compromising targets,” another intelligence source said while describing the effort as an attempt to create a sustained pipeline of trained support personnel capable of providing critical back-end assistance to terrorists operating on the ground.
Inputs have also been received to suggest that the recruitment drive is being carried out through tightly knit family networks, the sources said, adding that senior leaders of terror outfits are encouraging female members of their own families to spearhead the recruitment campaign and expand the network of women working in support roles.
The assessment further indicates that a range of new courses has been introduced as part of the initiative. While most of the programmes are being conducted online to widen their reach and reduce the risk of detection, a smaller number continue to be held through in-person sessions at designated locations.
One course examined by intelligence agencies was promoted as being meant for “those with strong faith and belief, good character and a desire to live a purposeful life”, the sources said.
