It’s a place thousands of Indians visit every year, hoping to secure a visa to visit loved ones or historical sites in Pakistan. But what if the visa section of the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi was more than just an administrative office? What if it was a recruitment ground for espionage? Recent revelations suggest this might be the case, painting a grim picture of how intelligence agencies allegedly operate under diplomatic cover.The process often starts innocently. An Indian citizen applies for a visa to Pakistan. During the interview, officials ask seemingly standard questions about their background, profession, and the purpose of their visit. However, for some applicants, the questioning can take a more probing turn. The focus might shift to their financial situation, personal vulnerabilities, or any grievances they might have.This is where the recruitment allegedly begins. Individuals who appear disgruntled, financially strapped, or hold positions that could provide access to sensitive information are flagged. These selected applicants are often then approached by intelligence operatives. The offers can range from financial assistance for their trip to more substantial rewards in exchange for what is initially pitched as simple information gathering.Once a person is on board, they are often given specific tasks. This could involve gathering information about military installations, troop movements, or details about critical infrastructure in India. The communication is discreet, using handlers and sophisticated methods to avoid detection by Indian security agencies. The visa applicant, who may have started with a simple desire to travel, finds themselves entangled in a dangerous web of espionage.The intelligence gathered through this network is then relayed back to Pakistan, posing a direct threat to India's national security. It's a calculated strategy that turns ordinary citizens into unwilling or willing pawns in a much larger and more dangerous game.This alleged misuse of a diplomatic facility raises serious questions about the norms that govern international relations. While high commissions and embassies are meant to foster goodwill and facilitate travel, the idea that a visa desk could double as a hub for spying activities is a chilling thought. It turns a place of hope and connection into a potential theater of covert operations, where the price of a visa could be one's loyalty to their country.
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