Recent reports suggest a concerning trend of weapon smuggling from Pakistan into Punjab, India, potentially involving the use of drones to airdrop Turkish-manufactured firearms. These developments raise serious questions about regional security and the intentions behind these alleged activities.
According to news reports, Pakistan appears to be utilizing drones to drop Turkish PX5 pistols into Punjab. The alleged purpose is to destabilize the region by supplying advanced weaponry to criminal gangs and terror groups. Security agencies have reportedly recovered PX5 pistols in multiple operations in Punjab this month alone, including seizures in Amritsar. In one instance, the Punjab Police dismantled a Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) module, allegedly operated by a UK-based handler with close ties to a Pakistan-based terrorist. The police seized high-caliber pistols, including PX5s and Austrian-made Glock pistols. These recoveries follow previous instances of PX5 pistols being seized, with authorities suspecting that the weapons were dropped by drones from across the border.
The PX5 pistols in question are manufactured by TISAS in Turkey. These pistols are reportedly becoming a favored weapon among criminals in Punjab. This situation is further complicated by reports that Turkey supported Pakistan during a recent border conflict by supplying drones, including armed UAVs and kamikaze drones, allegedly used to target Indian military infrastructure. Some reports even suggest that Turkish military personnel were present during the conflict.
This alleged weapon smuggling occurs against a backdrop of deepening military and strategic cooperation between Turkey and Pakistan. The two countries have a long-standing defense relationship, engaging in joint military training, exercises, technology transfers, and co-production of defense equipment. Turkey has also been supporting Pakistan in modernizing its navy and transferring defense technologies. Furthermore, there are reports of intelligence sharing and cooperation between Turkish and Pakistani intelligence agencies to combat terrorism.
These strengthened ties between Turkey and Pakistan have caused unease in India, particularly given Turkey's stance on the Kashmir issue, which aligns with Pakistan's position. India has perceived Turkey's growing relationship with Pakistan as undermining its strategic interests, especially in the context of potential military confrontations.
The alleged air-dropping of Turkish weapons into Punjab raises concerns about several factors. First, the intent behind these actions seems to be to disrupt law and order by providing advanced weaponry to criminal and potentially terrorist elements. Second, it highlights the evolving tactics employed in cross-border smuggling, with drones being used to bypass traditional security measures. Third, it raises questions about Turkey's role and whether its defense cooperation with Pakistan extends to supporting activities that could destabilize the region.
These allegations are developing against already strained relations between India and Pakistan. Despite a ceasefire, tensions remain, with both countries accusing each other of various transgressions, including supporting terrorism and violating international agreements. The situation is further complicated by the unresolved issue of Kashmir and disputes over water rights.
