Why Pakistan is a global terror factory? 10 incidents when Pak-sponsored terrorists nabbed outside India

For too long, the world has grappled with the insidious specter of terrorism, often failing to confront its true origins. Yet, the evidence is undeniable: Pakistan has become a global incubator and exporter of radicalism, not merely tolerating, but actively facilitating the training of terrorist organisations operating far beyond its borders. This isn’t about isolated extremist cells; it’s a chilling network where the architects of global terror are often honed within Pakistan’s hidden enclaves, then dispatched to inflict mayhem across continents. The chilling reality is that Pakistan’s state apparatus, whether through complicity or direct patronage, allows its soil to be used as a launching pad for violence, enabling these groups to spread their destructive ideology and capabilities to other nations. This deliberate export of terror constitutes a profound threat to international peace and security, demanding an unequivocal and unified global response to dismantle this dangerous nexus.

This report focuses on 10 key incidents between 2006 and 2025 where Pakistani terrorists were apprehended in various countries outside of India, highlighting their global reach and the international efforts to counter them.

Nigerian forces neutralise four Pakistani terrorists training ISWAP and Boko Haram

In a significant counter-terrorism operation, four Pakistani terrorists have been apprehended and neutralised in Nigeria. These individuals were actively providing specialized training to members of Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), focusing on advanced weaponry, drone operation, and the construction of improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Nigerian military sources confirmed that these foreign mercenaries originated from Pakistan, and their activities were explicitly aimed at escalating extremism within the West African nation. Their presence and training initiatives underscore a deeply concerning trend of external actors fueling regional instability and amplifying the threat posed by these dangerous terror groups.

Pakistan-linked ISIS terrorist “Jaffer” captured for deaths of 13 US service members

In a significant triumph against radical Islamic terror, American intelligence agencies, in a joint operation between the CIA and FBI, successfully apprehended Mohammad Sharifullah, alias “Jaffer” (Pakistani national), an ISIS-K member, on March 5, 2025, from Afghanistan. Jaffer stands accused of providing material support to a designated terrorist organisation and, critically, of orchestrating the plot that led to the deaths of 13 brave American service members during the chaotic withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan. This capture underscores the persistent and deadly threat posed by Pakistan-linked terror elements and reinforces the need for relentless pursuit of those who target American lives and undermine global stability. His apprehension sends a clear message: those responsible for heinous acts against our forces will be held accountable, no matter how long it takes.

ISIS sympathiser and Pakistani student foiled in major terror plot in Canada

In a chilling reminder of the global reach of radical extremism, Mohammed Shahzaib Khan, a 20-year-old Pakistani national, was arrested on October 7, 2024, in Ormstown, Quebec, Canada. Khan stands accused of plotting a large-scale attack and robbery in support of the Islamic State (ISIS) at a Jewish community center in New York City’s Brooklyn district, precisely on the first anniversary of Hamas’s attack on Israel. Khan’s path to radicalization is a grave concern. He gained Canadian student status in May 2023 and arrived in Toronto in June. By November 2023, he began overtly expressing his support for ISIS on social media and encrypted messaging apps. Authorities allege that Khan intended to establish an “offline cell” in New York, aiming to inflict maximum casualties on Jewish people using automatic weapons and vehicles.

Major terror plot foiled in Greece: Pakistani nationals planned attack on Jewish centre

Greek police successfully apprehended two Pakistani terrorists who were actively plotting a large-scale terror attack on the Chabad House, a Jewish religious center in Athens. Investigations revealed that the terrorists had already conducted reconnaissance of the site, and disturbing details emerged that the final instructions for the attack were received directly from handlers in Pakistan.

Following these initial arrests, June 2023 saw the apprehension of eight additional Pakistani nationals linked to this conspiracy, all hailing from Pakistan’s Balochistan region. Their sinister objective was not merely to target innocent civilians, but also to destabilise Greece’s government, public institutions, and international relations. This incident serves as a stark reminder of Pakistan’s continued role as an incubator and exporter of radical elements, posing a direct threat to peace and stability in democratic nations far from its borders.

ISIS-K claims responsibility for attack on Pakistani embassy in Kabul

A brazen attack targeting the Pakistani Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan, has been claimed by Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISIS-K). The primary objective of the assault was the assassination of Pakistan’s Chargé d’Affaires, Ubaid-ur-Rehman Nizamani, who fortunately survived the attack.

However, a security guard, Israr Mohammad, was reportedly injured in the incident. ISIS-K asserted that two of their fighters targeted the diplomat and his staff with “medium and sniper weapons.”

Spanish police apprehend 11 Pakistani terror suspects linked to TTP

In a significant counter-terrorism operation, Spanish police in Barcelona have arrested 11 Pakistani nationals suspected of affiliation with the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a banned terrorist organisation. These individuals were allegedly promoting jihadi activities through encrypted communication channels, with investigations also revealing the active involvement of women in their network.

Following these arrests, Spain has unequivocally stated its commitment to further strengthening efforts to prevent radicalization. This decisive action underscores the persistent threat posed by Pakistan-linked extremist groups operating internationally and highlights the critical need for global vigilance against their insidious spread.

Four Pakistani terrorists arrested in Birmingham, exposed for plotting attacks and funding terror

In a stark revelation of Pakistan’s enduring role as a hub for radicalization, West Midlands Police Counter Terrorism Unit in Birmingham’s Sparkhill area arrested four Pakistani nationals – Khobeb Hussain (19), Ishaaq Hussain (19), Shahid Kasam Khan (19), and Naveed Mahmud Ali (24). These individuals faced severe charges of collecting funds for terrorism and conspiring to execute terrorist attacks.

Crucially, all four were accused of receiving terrorist training directly from Pakistan. They were brought before the Westminster Magistrates’ Court in London on November 19, 2011, under terrorism-related charges, where they were subsequently sentenced to life imprisonment. This case serves as a chilling reminder of Pakistan’s continued export of trained terrorists, who pose a direct and potent threat to international security.

Pakistan’s terror exports exposed: Wanted terrorist apprehended in Cyprus

In a stark illustration of Pakistan’s ongoing role as a source of global instability, Cypriot police have successfully apprehended a Pakistani terrorist. This individual was a fugitive, wanted by Pakistan under an international arrest warrant for charges of murder and terrorism.

The accused had sought asylum in Cyprus, a tactic often employed by those attempting to evade justice. His subsequent detention underscores the critical need for international vigilance against individuals emerging from Pakistan, many of whom are linked to severe acts of violence and extremism. This capture highlights the far-reaching consequences of Pakistan’s internal terror networks and its persistent struggle to control elements that pose a threat well beyond its borders.

Pakistani-American arrested in Times Square bomb plot attempt

In a high-stakes operation, the American agency FBI apprehended Pakistani-American terrorist Faisal Shahzad at New York’s JFK Airport. Shahzad was attempting to flee the country after being accused of trying to detonate a car bomb in Times Square.

Investigations revealed that Faisal Shahzad had received terrorist training, including bomb-making skills, in Pakistan’s Waziristan region. His capture underscores the ongoing threat posed by individuals radicalised and trained in Pakistan who then attempt to carry out acts of terror on foreign soil.

Eight Pakistani terrorists arrested in London for plot to bomb transatlantic flights

British police have apprehended eight Pakistani terrorists in London who were actively conspiring to detonate bombs on passenger planes bound for the US and Canada. Their sinister objective was to murder hundreds of innocent lives and spread terror across the globe.

The plot specifically targeted flights departing from London. These terrorists planned to smuggle liquid explosives, disguised in soft drink bottles, past security checks. Their intention was then to assemble these components mid-flight to create and detonate bombs. This incident provides a chilling reminder of Pakistan’s continued export of radical elements and the transnational threat they pose to international aviation and global security.

The chilling reality is that Pakistan’s alleged role extends far beyond merely harboring extremist groups within its borders; it has, by all accounts, morphed into a global hub for exporting terror expertise. The insidious practice of providing arms training to terrorist organisations in foreign nations, fostering their violent capabilities, and subsequently unleashing them to create widespread havoc is a direct consequence of this dangerous policy. This pattern of behaviour is not merely a regional concern, but a fundamental threat to global stability, unequivocally marking Pakistan as a proliferator of violence. The international community must move beyond mere condemnations and implement decisive, sustained measures to hold Islamabad accountable for actively sponsoring and facilitating this global network of destruction. Until this fundamental truth is confronted and addressed, the specter of Pakistan-backed terror will continue to loom large over peace-loving nations worldwide.