Indian intelligence agencies have identified a Pakistani woman, Noshaba Shehzad Masood — codenamed Madam N — as a central figure in a growing espionage network that allegedly involved recruiting Indian social media influencers and YouTubers as spies for Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).
According to official sources, Noshaba Shehzad runs a Lahore-based travel company named Jaiyana Travel and Tourism, which played a key role in facilitating the travel of Indian nationals, particularly Hindu and Sikh influencers and vloggers, into Pakistan. One such individual, Jyoti Malhotra, was among those arrested and interrogated by Indian agencies, during which Madam N’s name surfaced.
Investigators believe that Shehzad was working under direct instructions from the ISI and the Pakistani Army to build a widespread sleeper cell network across India. Intelligence inputs suggest that her goal was to embed at least 500 operatives—posing as common citizens—across the country to collect and transmit sensitive information to Pakistani handlers.
Shehzad’s alleged influence extended into the Pakistani diplomatic mission in New Delhi, where she maintained contact with key embassy officials including First Secretary (Visa) Suhail Qamar and Counsellor (Trade) Umar Sheryar. She was also in touch with a former visa officer, Danish alias Ehsan-ur-Rehman, who was expelled from India following the exposure of Jyoti Malhotra’s espionage activities.
Notably, Jaiyana Travel and Tourism is the only agency permitted to organise Hindu and Sikh pilgrimages to Pakistan, working in collaboration with the Evacuee Trust Property Board. Despite the absence of formal procedures for tourism between India and Pakistan, the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi is reported to have frequently issued visas based on Madam N’s sponsorship.
In the past six months alone, approximately 3,000 Indian citizens and 1,500 non-resident Indians (NRIs) reportedly traveled to Pakistan under her facilitation. Authorities allege that Shehzad used the pilgrimage as a cover, charging exorbitant amounts from travellers and channeling the funds to support propaganda and covert activities.
Madam N is also accused of deploying several travel agents across major Indian cities—including New Delhi—to promote her services and identify new recruits. These agents, officials believe, were instrumental in expanding her influence and helping trap unsuspecting Indian citizens into the espionage network.
Further investigation is ongoing, and security agencies are working to dismantle what they describe as a “deep and deceptive” infiltration strategy orchestrated by Pakistan’s ISI using religious tourism as a front.
Jyoti Malhotra Espionage Case
In a major national security scare, Hisar-based travel vlogger Jyoti Malhotra was arrested on 17 May 2025, for allegedly spying for Pakistan. Accused of sharing sensitive information via encrypted apps like WhatsApp and Telegram, Malhotra had visited Pakistan multiple times and reportedly maintained contact with Pakistani intelligence officials. She allegedly met ISI operatives during her trips, including a man named Danish (Ahsan-ur-Rahim) and Ali Ahsan, who introduced her to security personnel.
Malhotra, who runs the YouTube channel Desi-Indo-Joe, had been allegedly using her online influence to promote pro-Pakistan narratives. Her connections to the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi and plans to travel to Bangladesh have deepened suspicions, particularly after the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26. A viral video showing her in Lahore under tight security and her association with a man spotted at the Pakistan High Commission post-attack have raised serious alarms.
Investigators seized her gadgets and are probing links to recent military operations like Operation Sindoor. She is being interrogated by the NIA and IB. Despite denying wrongdoing, Malhotra faces charges under the Official Secrets Act. Her case highlights rising concerns over digital influence, cross-border propaganda, and espionage.
(With inputs from OpIndia)
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