Nabi Ahmad Shakir was the cover identity used by Ravindra Kaushik, an Indian intelligence operative who entered Pakistan in 1975, first built a civilian life there, and then leveraged that identity to get into the Pakistan Army’s Military Accounts Department. He reportedly studied at Karachi University, adopted a Muslim identity, and passed the entry process before being posted as a major in the army rather than as a commissioned combat officer.

How it happened

  • He was trained by India’s intelligence service for deep cover work, including language, religion, and local customs.
  • He entered Pakistan under the name Nabi Ahmed Shakir and presented himself as a legitimate resident.
  • After establishing his cover through university and civilian life, he cleared the exam for the Military Accounts Department and joined the Pakistan Army.
  • Later accounts say he rose to the rank of major while secretly passing information back to India.

Important nuance

He did not “infiltrate” the army by force or through a single dramatic break- in. The story described in public sources is that he built a long-term false identity, gained trust over time, and entered through standard administrative channels.

Why this story is famous

Ravindra Kaushik is often described in media as one of India’s most successful deep-cover spies because he lived for years as Nabi Ahmad Shakir inside Pakistan and reportedly reached a sensitive military post before his exposure. Public writeups also note that his cover was eventually blown after another operative was captured and interrogated.

Caution

A lot of the available material on this story is retold through articles and social posts, so some details vary by source, especially around rank, dates, and later imprisonment.