Daily Times

The mysterious disappearance of the Pakistan Army’s retired Lt Colonel Mohammad Habib from Nepal, recently, is likely being played out against the backdrop of a larger clandestine struggle among various South Asian intelligence agencies. This case pertains directly to spook goings-on in Pakistan and India.

Reports suggest that Col Habib disappeared from Lumbini, a small town near the Nepal-India border. Thereafter, all contact with his family and friends was lost. His son has hinted at the involvement of India’s spy agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW). He points to the fact that both the email address domain and company website of those who contacted Col Habib are registered in India.

So why would India lure a retired Pakistani military officer to Nepal? It is hard not to draw comparisons with the Kulbushan Yadav episode. Being a high-profile Indian spy captured in Pakistan — Yadav was forced to spill the beans regarding RAW’s ties to insurgents in Pakistan.

Habib’s alleged abduction is likely to be an act of retaliation for Yadav’s capture. But the question of why he was specifically targeted for this remains unanswered. He retired from the army some three years ago and may have been looking for a job in a private security firm — which is the norm amongst retired officers.

Speculation aside, a concerted effort between Pakistan’s diplomats and intelligence personnel is needed, so as to locate the missing officer and ensure his safe return. If it is truly the case that his kidnapping is part of a counter-intelligence operation by India — it would represent an alarming increase in ‘tit-for-tat’ spy games between the two countries. In the meanwhile, one can only hope for his safe return, at the earliest possible opportunity.  *