On August 11, 2023, I revealed internal documents from the Pakistani military’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) that expose a troubling practice: transnational repression conducted by the Pakistani state, specifically from its embassy in Washington, D.C. These documents, leaked by my sources within the military, provide undeniable evidence of how the Pakistani fascist regime targets its own citizens abroad.
Exposing the ISI’s Secret Leaks: Transnational Repression Unveiled
On August 11, 2023, internal documents from Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) were leaked, exposing a chilling campaign of transnational repression targeting overseas Pakistanis. These revelations provide further proof of how the Pakistani military establishment uses its intelligence apparatus to silence dissent globally.
Overview of the Leaked Documents
The leaked documents, titled “Project Margalla – Istehkam-e-Pakistan,” reveal a systematic effort by the ISI to identify and harass Pakistanis abroad who protest against the military regime. These documents, which include minute sheets and detailed identification records, outline the following key points:
- Surveillance and Identification of Protesters:
The ISI conducted surveillance on a protest held on May 9, 2023, outside Pakistan House in Washington, D.C.
Facial recognition technology was used to identify 16 individuals who participated in the protest and chanted anti-military slogans. The documents list the names, CNIC numbers, passport/residency details, photographs, and even family trees of the identified individuals. - Directive for Further Action:
The documents instruct ground checks to confirm the identified individuals and recommend canceling their NICOPs (National Identity Cards for Overseas Pakistanis).
These measures are designed to intimidate and silence dissenters, effectively cutting off their connection to Pakistan. - Cover Name Change of DG (C) ISI:
The documents are signed off by “Tariq,” the call sign for Major General Faisal Naseer, the ISI’s DG (C), infamous as “Dirty Harry.”
Following this leak, Maj Gen Faisal Naseer reportedly changed his cover name from “Tariq” to “Tipu,” signaling an effort to evade accountability.
Document 1: ISI Minute Sheet
Title: Project Margalla – Istehkam-e-Pakistan
The first document is a minute sheet detailing the ISI’s operational orders for identifying protesters in the U.S.:

Key Highlights:
- Subject: Project Margalla – Istehkam-e-Pakistan
- Objective: Surveillance and identification of protesters at Pakistan House, Washington, D.C.
- Methods: Use of video footage and facial recognition technology.
- Outcome: 16 individuals identified, with instructions for ground checks and NICOP cancellations.
(Refer to Document Image 1 for detailed content.)
Document 2: Results Identified

Title: Results Identified: List of Protesters
The second document provides a detailed list of the identified individuals:
Key Highlights:
- Includes names, CNIC numbers, U.S. passport/residency details, and photographs.
- Aimed at ensuring full identification for punitive measures.
(Refer to Document Image 2 for the full list and details.)
Implications of the Leaked Documents
These leaks reveal the extent to which the Pakistani military and ISI exploit their resources to target dissenters abroad, raising serious concerns about:
- Violation of Privacy and Rights:
The misuse of facial recognition and other surveillance technologies violates basic human rights and privacy. - Weaponization of Citizenship:
The threat to cancel NICOPs demonstrates how the state weaponizes legal documentation to suppress critics. - Global Consequences:
Such transnational repression undermines Pakistan’s credibility on the international stage, damaging its relations with host countries like the U.S.
The Role of Major General Faisal Naseer
The documents reference “Tariq,” the call sign for Major General Faisal Naseer, infamously known as “Dirty Harry” within the ISI. His initials are clearly visible on the minute sheet, indicating his involvement in orchestrating these operations. The military establishment employs the ISI to carry out transnational repression, expecting its citizens to invest in the country while simultaneously silencing dissent.
As a victim of transnational repression in the UK, I can attest to the Pakistani government’s relentless pursuit to suppress voices that challenge the military-led regime’s assault on democracy. The flawed terrorism charges against me, which concluded with a No Further Action (NFA), exemplify this coercive approach. My nationality has also been blocked by the Pakistani state through blocking my passport against basic norms of the human rights.
A Systematic Approach to Silencing Dissent
The Pakistani military’s strategy involves unconstitutional political engineering, a term that encapsulates how the ISI manipulates the political landscape. Lt. Gen. Asad Durrani, a retired ex-DG of ISI, has acknowledged this reality. The ISI wields special powers to influence promotions within the civilian bureaucracy, ensuring that officials toe the line of military interests. This power extends to silencing free speech and protests, both domestically and internationally.
With mainstream and social media under strict control through threats, bribery, and violence, the military junta is now expanding its repression to target dissenters abroad. Misuse of international cooperation protocols has led to witch hunts against prominent critics living outside Pakistan.
The Global Implications of Repression
The ramifications of this transnational repression are profound. It not only frustrates Pakistan’s international allies but also tarnishes its global image. Pakistani state agencies have been reported to torture the families of overseas activists, demonstrating a chilling willingness to control dissent from afar.
Despite the desperate tactics employed by the ISI—such as failed attempts to have me arrested in the UK or deported via Interpol—the struggle against this repression continues. The Pakistani military’s actions mirror the abuses seen in notorious prisons like Abu Ghraib, reflecting a systemic disregard for human rights.
Call for Accountability
The global community must recognize these actions as part of Pakistan’s broader strategy of transnational repression. Countries hosting Pakistani diaspora should:
- Investigate and counter any misuse of their territories for such coercive tactics.
- Impose sanctions on individuals and entities involved in these activities.
- Ensure the protection of the rights and freedoms of Pakistani expatriates.
International Response and the Path Forward
The recent emergency meeting in Islamabad, attended by the Pakistani Ambassador to the U.S. and military officials, highlights the ongoing political crisis exacerbated by their own oppressive tactics. Asim Munir, the current military chief, faces increasing pressure domestically and internationally, particularly regarding human rights violations.
As the global community becomes more aware of these violations, there is hope for accountability. American Pakistanis are mobilizing to secure sanctions against military and intelligence officials involved in these coercive practices. The need for international support in combating this repression is critical.
A Call for Awareness and Action
The pervasive nature of transnational repression, as evidenced by the leaked ISI documents, is a clarion call for action. The global community must not turn a blind eye to these violations. Countries like the U.S., UK, EU, and Australia must recognize the manipulative tactics used by the Pakistani state to suppress dissent abroad.
The time has come for governments, human rights organizations, and international bodies to hold Pakistan’s military establishment accountable for these abuses. Only through a unified global response can we hope to protect the fundamental freedoms of Pakistani citizens worldwide.
Conclusion
The leaked ISI documents provide undeniable proof of the Pakistani military’s campaign to silence dissent abroad. Major General Faisal Naseer’s cover name change from “Tariq” to “Tipu” after the leak underscores the regime’s desperation to conceal its operations. These revelations call for immediate international attention and action to hold the perpetrators accountable.
The full-scale targeting of overseas Pakistanis underlines the alarming reality of transnational repression. As the global community becomes increasingly aware of these tactics, it is imperative to unite against such blatant violations of human rights.