In a shocking revelation, Indian intelligence agencies have uncovered the covert operations of a Pakistani businesswoman, Noshaba Shehzad, also known by her ISI codename "Madam N", who allegedly helped orchestrate a sprawling espionage network targeting India, according to a report by NDTV. Shehzad, who operates the Lahore-based Jaiyana Travel and Tourism, is accused of working under Pakistan’s powerful intelligence agency, Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), to lure Indian citizens into espionage under the guise of cultural tourism.

The most high-profile arrest linked to this network is Instagram influencer Jyoti Malhotra, who was allegedly drawn into Shehzad’s circle through invitations to “cultural tours” in Pakistan. Intelligence sources claim Malhotra was among many Indian citizens, especially social media influencers and prominent public figures, who were granted fast-track visas to Pakistan, thanks to Shehzad’s deep connections in the Pakistani Embassy in Delhi.

Reports indicate that over 3,000 Indian nationals and 1,500 NRIs visited Pakistan in the past six months through Shehzad’s network. Many of them, it is suspected, were either used for propaganda purposes or unwittingly pushed into espionage activities.

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Sleeper Cells And Visa Manipulation

According to intelligence officials, Madam N’s ultimate objective was to create a sleeper cell network inside India comprising at least 500 operatives, capable of blending seamlessly into local communities. To build this network, Shehzad used Indian travel agents, particularly in Delhi, to scout and recommend candidates for trips to Pakistan.

Shehzad’s influence extended to senior Pakistani diplomats. She had direct lines of communication with Suhail Qamar, First Secretary (Visa), and Umar Sheryar, Counsellor (Trade) at the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi. She reportedly ensured instant visa approvals with just a phone call.

One of her closest ISI collaborators, Danish alias Ehsan-ur-Rehman, served as a visa officer in the Delhi mission and was recently expelled following Malhotra’s arrest. His role was to approve sensitive applications, especially those recommended by Madam N.

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Shehzad also held a monopoly on organising Sikh and Hindu pilgrimages to Pakistan via her company’s coordination with the Evacuee Trust Property Board. Under this front, she not only earned money by charging pilgrims exorbitantly but also used the proceeds to fund Pakistani propaganda and expand her network.