New Delhi: Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) has reportedly shifted its approach towards fugitive underworld figure Dawood Ibrahim, with intelligence inputs suggesting that the agency is placing greater emphasis on protecting him and keeping his location concealed rather than using him directly to expand criminal operations.
According to intelligence officials cited in the report, Dawood has reportedly been moved to a location near Karachi port, which could provide an escape route in the event of an Indian security operation. The claims could not be independently verified.
Officials said the reported security arrangements are aimed at protecting Dawood as well as the narcotics network associated with his syndicate, while reducing the risk of Pakistan facing further international scrutiny over his presence.
Focus shifts to security and escape routes
Intelligence inputs cited by officials suggest that Dawood is facing health-related problems and that the ISI’s current priority is reportedly his security, medical care and the creation of possible escape routes.
An Intelligence Bureau official was quoted as saying that keeping Dawood at a location from where he could potentially escape would also make it more difficult to establish publicly where he is being sheltered if an operation were to target him.
Pakistan has repeatedly denied that Dawood Ibrahim is residing on its territory.
Dawood has long been accused by Indian authorities of involvement in organised crime, narcotics trafficking, terror financing and money laundering. He is also wanted in connection with the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts.
Narcotics network under pressure
The report said the ISI is facing pressure to generate funds for militant organisations operating from Pakistan, including Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). Intelligence officials cited in the report claimed that this has increased the importance of narcotics trafficking as a source of funds.
The reported arrest of Dawood associate Salim Dola has also disrupted parts of the syndicate’s international operations and supply chains, according to the officials.
Indian enforcement agencies have continued investigations into narcotics trafficking networks and their alleged links with organised crime and terror financing.
Internal succession issues
Apart from security and health concerns, officials cited in the report pointed to an alleged succession struggle within the D-Company network.
Dawood’s brother Anees Ibrahim, along with associates such as Chhota Shakeel and Haji Salim, are described as among those involved in the wider network. According to the report, differences have emerged over who could take greater responsibility for the syndicate in the future.
Officials said Dawood’s continued symbolic importance to the network remains significant despite his reduced public visibility.
Pakistan faces international scrutiny
The report also linked the alleged efforts to conceal Dawood’s whereabouts to Pakistan’s broader concerns over international scrutiny of terror financing, money laundering and illicit financial networks.
Dawood Ibrahim has been designated by the United Nations Security Council under its sanctions regime, while India has repeatedly raised concerns over his alleged presence and activities from Pakistani territory.
The latest intelligence assessment, however, remains based on inputs attributed to unnamed officials, and details concerning Dawood’s current location, security arrangements and the ISI’s alleged strategy have not been independently confirmed.
Indian security agencies are continuing to target narcotics networks and organised-crime syndicates operating across the country. Officials quoted in the report said disruption of these networks could weaken the financial infrastructure supporting criminal and terror-linked activities.
