Archive · 16 Sep 2026
India Designates Pakistan-Based Shahzad Bhatti Network Terrorist Organisation
India has officially listed the Shahzad Bhatti Network as a terrorist organisation.
The decision was made under a law called the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
The government says the Pakistan-based network helps move weapons, explosives and drugs across borders.
It also says the group tries to recruit young people and local criminals for terrorist activities.
Officials allege that the network uses online messages to spread provocative or hateful content.
The government says these activities threaten public order, communal harmony and India’s internal security.
The order was issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs on September 16, 2026.
SBN is now the 46th organisation on the UAPA’s list of terrorist organisations.
The Ministry of Home Affairs designated the Pakistan-based Shahzad Bhatti Network as a terrorist organisation under the UAPA.
A September 16, 2026, notification added SBN as the 46th entry in the UAPA’s First Schedule.
The government alleges that SBN smuggles arms, explosives and narcotics across borders and recruits youths and local criminals.
Authorities also allege that the network promotes terrorism, mobilises resources and spreads provocative or hateful digital content.
The notification cited criminal cases involving alleged SBN members under laws including the UAPA, Arms Act and Explosives Act.
- Who
- The Ministry of Home Affairs designated the Shahzad Bhatti Network; Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced the decision.
- What
- The government added SBN to the UAPA’s First Schedule as a designated terrorist organisation.
- When
- September 16, 2026, according to the gazette notification.
- Where
- India; authorities described SBN as Pakistan-based and alleged cross-border activities.
- Why
- The government alleges that SBN is involved in arms, explosives and narcotics smuggling, radicalisation, terrorism and provocative digital messaging.
- Organisation
- Shahzad Bhatti Network (SBN)
- Legal basis
- Section 35(1)(a) of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967
- Listing
- Added to the UAPA First Schedule as Serial Number 46
- Notification date
- September 16, 2026
- Government allegations
- Cross-border smuggling of arms, explosives and narcotics; radicalisation; terrorism; and dissemination of provocative digital content
- Cited laws
- UAPA, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Arms Act, Explosives Act, Information Technology Act and Prevention of Defacement of Property Act
- Issuing authority
- Ministry of Home Affairs
Sources
Shahzad Bhatti Network declared terrorist organisation under UAPA: Govt order
Shahzad Bhatti Network Listed as Terrorist Organisation
Pakistan's Shahzad Bhatti Network Banned As Terrorist Organisation Under UAPA
Centre Declares Pak-Based Shahzad Bhatti Network As Terrorist Outfit
Home Ministry declares Shahzad Bhatti Network as terrorist organisation under UAPA
Shahzad Bhatti Network declared banned terrorist outfit under UAPA
Shahzad Bhatti Network declared a terrorist outfit under UAPA: What to know about Pakistan-based group
Centre Declares Shahzad Bhatti Network A Terrorist Organisation
