Indian cellular network's penetration into FATA ringing alarm bells

PESHAWAR The Indian cellular network in Afghanistan has started penetrating into Pakistani tribal areas with the sale of SIM cards of Indian and Afghan cellular companies in FATA is adding to the security fears of the country. According to sources, the SIM cards of cellular network, owned and operated by India, are being sold in North Waziristan Agency, South Waziristan, Bajaur Agency, Kurram Agency, Mohmand Agency and Orakzai Agency. These areas of Pakistan mostly bordering Afghanistan are the most militancy infested ones. The Indian cellular communication network in collaboration with Afghanistan is said to have started functioning in Pakistani tribal areas. The law enforcement agencies in their report have cautioned the Government about risks this new development brings to the security of Pakistan. The Indian-Afghan mobile phone network has a vast range penetration in Pakistani tribal territory. This network penetration can be a threat to security as it can be used by militants for terror activities a, a security official told on the condition of anonymity. It is worth mentioning here that tracing calls made from these SIM cards will be a difficult task for Pakistan owing to the fact it is being operated and controlled by India in Afghanistan. Considering the apprehension of the law enforcement agencies, the Government has announced to ban use of Indian, Afghan SIM cards in FATA. A letter sent by the centre to FATA and Governor secretariats and interior department of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa directed the ban on those SIM cards and also asked for action against dealers selling them. The political agents of aforementioned tribal agencies have been directed to take measures for disbanding foreign mobile network and launching crackdown against sellers of SIM cards. They have also been asked to send the report in this regard to the centre through FATA secretariat.