Iraqi media has reported that the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) in Babil province, specifically their intelligence unit, arrested a group of Pakistanis disguised in PMF uniforms. The PMF, also known as the Hashd al-Sha’abi, is an Iranian-backed paramilitary force operating in Iraq. The exact circumstances surrounding the arrest and the reasons for the Pakistani individuals wearing PMF uniforms are not yet clear.
Phone examinations revealed photos showing Pakistani men carrying medium weapons and traveling in military vehicles while wearing military uniforms of another country. This might indicate that they were Pakistan Army men who had infiltrated into PMF.
Earlier it was reported that:
Iran is using the Iraq-Pakistan trade & pilgrims route agreements to send foreign fighters disguised as Shiite pilgrims to support the PFM . This move aims to pressure the Iraqi gov amid financial restrictions , PMF bill from the U.S. and to incite tribal conflicts in southern Iraq, leading to calls for military intervention.
Calls from PMF & iran axis leaders in 08/05/2025 during The Shiite Coordination Framework meets to control the street after disagreements in the Iraqi parliament over the PMF’s draft civil service bill in which has been debated & removed again from Parliament sessions.
PMF is composed of about 67 primarily Shia armed factions, almost all of which are Iranian-backed and openly pledge allegiance to Khamenei.
The PMF, initially formed to combat ISIS, has become a significant force in Iraq, with some factions closely aligned with Iran. The arrest raises questions about the PMF’s internal security and the potential for external actors to infiltrate or exploit the group. PMF leaders act independently from state control and, in reality, answer to the supreme leader of Iran, Ali Khamenei
It also highlights the complex security situation in Iraq, where various armed groups operate, some with links to regional powers.
Further details about the identities of the arrested Pakistanis, their intended purpose, and the PMF’s response are likely to emerge as the situation develops.