A Pakistani businesswoman operating a travel agency in Lahore has been identified as a central figure aiding Indian social media influencers to enter Pakistan, allegedly setting the stage for a vast espionage network targeting India, according to intelligence sources.
Noshaba Shehzad, who runs the Lahore-based ‘Jaiyana Travel and Tourism,’ is reported to have worked under the aegis of Pakistan’s intelligence agency, Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Known by the codename ‘Madam N’ within the ISI, Shehzad facilitated the travel of Indian influencers such as Jyoti Malhotra—recently arrested—and numerous others, enabling their movement across borders under the guise of tourism.
Intelligence sources disclosed that during the interrogation of arrested Indian influencers, Shehzad’s role emerged as pivotal in orchestrating a sleeper cell network estimated to involve at least 500 spies embedded discreetly across India.
The operation is believed to have been directed by Pakistan’s Army and ISI, with instructions given to Shehzad to establish this clandestine network. Notably, Shehzad’s husband is a retired Pakistani civil services officer, further highlighting her connections to state apparatus.
Shehzad reportedly introduced Indian social media personalities to Pakistani military and intelligence contacts and targeted Indian Hindu and Sikh communities, luring them to Pakistan. Over the past six months, she is said to have facilitated visits for nearly 3,000 Indian citizens and 1,500 non-resident Indians (NRIs).
Her influence extended into the Pakistani embassy’s visa department in Delhi, maintaining close contacts with key officials like First Secretary (visa) Suhail Qamar and Counsellor (trade) Umar Sheryar. Sources say Shehzad could secure Pakistani visas swiftly, often “with a single phone call.” She also liaised with Danish alias Ehsan-ur-Rehman, an ISI operative and visa officer who was expelled from India in May following the exposure of Jyoti Malhotra’s activities.
Despite the absence of formal tourism visa provisions between India and Pakistan, Shehzad’s travel agency was reportedly the sole facilitator of Sikh and Hindu pilgrimages to Pakistan, in collaboration with the Evacuee Trust Property Board. She allegedly charged Indian pilgrims exorbitant fees, which were used to further Pakistani propaganda efforts.
Recently, Shehzad expanded her network by appointing travel agents in Delhi and other Indian cities, who promote her agency on social media platforms, according to sources.
This revelation underscores ongoing concerns about covert espionage tactics using social media and travel as cover, raising questions about security protocols and diplomatic ties between the two countries.