Centre declares Pak-based Shahzad Bhatti Network a terrorist organisation under UAPA - The Times of India

**Centre Designates Shahzad Bhatti Network as Terrorist Organisation Under UAPA**

New Delhi – The Union Ministry of Home Affairs announced on Thursday that the Pakistan‑based Shahzad Bhatti Network (SBN) has been formally listed as a terrorist organisation under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The decision follows a detailed review by the Ministry’s National Investigation Agency, which concluded that the network maintains direct operational ties with extremist groups in Pakistan and has been implicated in several anti‑India activities, including recruitment of Indian nationals for militant training and the dissemination of propaganda aimed at destabilising Indian society. Under the UAPA framework, the designation empowers law‑enforcement agencies to arrest members, freeze assets, and seize property linked to the SBN without prior court approval.

The move marks the latest addition to a growing roster of entities designated as terrorist organisations by the Indian government, a list that already includes groups such as Jaish E‑Mohammed, Hizbul Mujahideen and the Islamic State’s Indian affiliate. Officials emphasized that the Shahzad Bhatti Network is distinct from traditional political or religious organisations, noting its alleged involvement in planning and financing cross‑border attacks, facilitating illegal arms transfers, and providing logistical support to operatives operating in Indian border states. The Ministry also warned that any individual or organisation found to be providing material support to SBN could face rigorous prosecution and up to ten years of imprisonment, or life imprisonment if the act resulted in loss of life.

Reactions to the designation have been mixed. Opposition leaders in Parliament have called for greater transparency, urging the government to disclose the evidence that underpins the decision while cautioning against potential misuse of broad anti‑terror statutes. Human‑rights groups, meanwhile, have urged the authorities to ensure that the designation does not curtail legitimate dissent or freedom of expression. Pakistan’s Foreign Office issued a brief statement denying any involvement of its citizens in the alleged activities and described the move as “unwarranted political posturing.” Diplomatic channels between New Delhi and Islamabad are expected to be activated to address the fallout and to discuss mechanisms for preventing the proliferation of extremist networks across the border.