Pahalgam attack: Terrorists used Chinese apps, devices to communicate with Pakistani handlers

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, April 28, 2025: In a stunning new twist to the Pahalgam terror attack probe, intelligence sources have revealed to CNN-News18 that the terrorists were using Chinese messaging apps to communicate with their handlers across the border in Pakistan. These Chinese apps are extremely encrypted and difficult to crack and they have been banned in India since the 2020 Galwan clashes.

Intelligence sources also reveal the presence of one Chinese satellite phone in the area on the same day as the Pahalgam attack. Both of these are lines of investigation being proved by the NIA, which is now the lead agency to track and unravel the Pahalgam plot.

How these apps and devices work

At present, the communication devices used by terror groups like Lashkar and Jaish are encrypted, military-grade tools designed to avoid detection and interception. These systems are employed by governments, militaries, and sometimes terrorists and cartels.

The key technologies include:

* End-to-End Encryption (E2EE): Messages are scrambled so only the sender and receiver can decode them.
* Quantum-Resistant Algorithms: Advanced encryption that even quantum computers can’t crack.
* Steganography: Hiding messages within innocuous files like images and videos.

These technologies work through burst transmitters that send data in milliseconds to avoid detection. They also involve frequency hopping, which includes rapidly switching radio frequencies to evade jamming or eavesdropping.

The satellite phones use non-terrestrial networks like Iridium to bypass local infrastructure.

New devices are used to counter previous vulnerabilities. ISIS previously relied on Telegram but faced takedowns after metadata analysis. Al-Qaeda used steganography in porn sites, which the FBI cracked in the 2000s. Kashmiri militants were intercepted by Indian agencies using Thuraya satellite phones and WhatsApp groups.

China Backs Pakistan

China has shown its support for Pakistan, with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi having a phone conversation with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Muhammad Ishaq Dar. During the call, China expressed concern over the rising tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack and called for an impartial investigation.

The Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the conversation in a statement on X, noting that Dar briefed Yi on the regional situation. Dar said China “rejected India’s unilateral and illegal actions, as well as its baseless propaganda against Pakistan."

Furthermore, Dar thanked China for its continued support and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to their strong friendship and shared vision of an All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership. Both sides reiterated their dedication to promoting regional peace and stability, mutual respect, and opposition to unilateralism and hegemonic policies.

They expressed their firm resolve to uphold regional peace, promote mutual respect and understanding, and jointly oppose unilateralism and hegemonic policies. Additionally, they agreed to maintain close communication and coordination at all levels to advance their shared objectives of peace, security, and sustainable development in the region and beyond.