# Centre declares Pakistan-based Shahzad Bhatti Network terrorist outfit

2026-09-16T11:36:42+00:00 | Governance | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 4 independent outlets

The Union Home Ministry on Wednesday declared the Pakistan-based Shahzad Bhatti Network (SBN) a terrorist organisation under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA). The notification added SBN to the First Schedule of the Act, making it the 46th group on the list. Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the decision follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi's zero-tolerance policy against terrorism. The ministry said SBN is involved in smuggling arms, explosives and narcotics across borders, radicalising youth and publishing hateful digital content. The network is run by gangster-turned-terrorist Shahzad Bhatti, who is backed by Pakistan's ISI and operates from a third country. Last month, security agencies arrested over 200 suspects linked to the network across 14 states.

## Indian Opinion Analysis

All four outlets reported the declaration as a factual government action, with no critical or opposing views. The Hindu and Times of India led with Amit Shah's statement, while NDTV and Hindustan Times led with the gazette notification. Every source reproduced the ministry's description of SBN's activities verbatim, giving no space to alternative framings. The uniform coverage means the government's narrative stands uncontested in the public record. The next step to watch is the prosecution of the 200-plus arrested suspects under the UAPA.

## Coverage

- ndtv.com (neutral report) <https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/centre-declares-pak-based-shahzad-bhatti-network-as-terrorist-outfit-12054277>
  Leads with gazette notification, quotes ministry without commentary
- hindustantimes.com (neutral report) <https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/mha-declares-shahzad-bhatti-network-a-terrorist-organisation-under-uapa-101789553196770.html>
  Straight news agency style, includes detailed background on Bhatti
- timesofindia.indiatimes.com (neutral report) <https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/centre-declares-pak-based-shahzad-bhatti-network-a-terrorist-organisation-under-uapa/articleshow/134285979.cms>
  Leads with Amit Shah's X post, factual reporting on arrests
- thehindu.com (neutral report) <https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/shahzad-bhatti-network-declared-banned-terrorist-outfit-under-uapa/article71472080.ece>
  Leads with government announcement, no critical framing

Tags: Amit Shah, ISI, Ministry of Home Affairs, Shahzad Bhatti Network, UAPA
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