In the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, which claimed 26 lives, primarily tourists, the Pakistan government has moved swiftly to beef up security around Hafiz Saeed, the notorious founder of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD). The decision stems from mounting fears that India could launch a covert operation targeting the terror mastermind in retaliation for the massacre.

Hafiz Saeed’s Role in Terror Network Resurfaces

Hafiz Saeed, 77, is a UN-designated global terrorist and the alleged mastermind behind the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. He has long been protected by the Pakistani establishment despite international pressure. Although he is officially serving a 46-year jail sentence in various terror financing cases, his residence in Lahore’s Mohalla Johar has been converted into a sub-jail, giving him relative comfort and allowing the state to maintain symbolic imprisonment.

What’s disturbing is that Saeed continues to operate behind the scenes, influencing active terror modules. Indian intelligence agencies and security sources have linked the Pahalgam terror module directly to Saeed's networks, suggesting that he still exerts command and control over LeT-affiliated operatives, especially those embedded in Kashmir.

Deployment of Special Commandos for Saeed's Protection

As tensions rise, Pakistan has stationed former commandos from its Special Service Group (SSG) to protect Saeed. These elite soldiers are known for handling high-risk missions and VIP protection, further indicating how seriously Islamabad views the possibility of an Indian strike.

Apart from the SSG, additional personnel have been posted at multiple residences of Saeed to thwart any external attempt to neutralize him. These include his sub-jail residence, which is now surrounded by dense civilian population, a mosque, and a madrassa, making any external operation highly risky due to the potential of collateral civilian damage.

High-Tech Surveillance and Control Room Setup

A control room has also been established to monitor every movement within a 1-kilometre radius of Saeed’s residence. Sources reveal that gesture detection CCTV cameras and facial recognition systems are in place to track unidentified activity or any unusual movement in the area.

This sophisticated monitoring system highlights the level of paranoia within Pakistan’s security establishment, especially after the Indian diplomatic and military posturing following the Pahalgam attack.

India’s Tough Diplomatic Response to the Pahalgam Attack

In response to the heinous terror attack, India has taken strong diplomatic measures:

• Suspension of the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) for Pakistani nationals.

• Expulsion of Pakistani military attaches from diplomatic offices in India.

• Suspension of the Indus Water Treaty of 1960, an agreement that has remained intact even during wars.

• Closure of the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Attari, a major land trade route between the two nations.

These measures reflect the depth of India’s anger and frustration over continued cross-border terrorism and Pakistan’s alleged complicity.

Link Between Pahalgam Attack and Hafiz Saeed’s LeT

According to Indian intelligence, the Pahalgam terror attack was not an isolated event but carried out by a well-trained module affiliated with Lashkar-e-Taiba, under Saeed’s direct or indirect command. This group reportedly collaborated with local militants and over-ground workers (OGWs) to plan and execute the attack in Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam in Anantnag district.

The method of attack, weaponry, and targeting of civilians point to a hardened terror module, which had operated stealthily in the Valley for months, gathering logistical support and intelligence. Indian agencies believe this is a deliberate escalation, designed to trigger panic during peak tourist season and revive militancy narratives in Kashmir.

Pakistan’s Strategy: Human Shield and Religious Surroundings

One of the most controversial aspects of Pakistan’s strategy is placing Hafiz Saeed in a civilian area surrounded by religious institutions like a madrassa and mosque. This not only provides a human shield but also increases the diplomatic and strategic costs for any potential Indian operation.

This tactic is consistent with previous practices, where terror masterminds are placed in sensitive or religious zones to deter foreign intervention and claim moral high ground in case of civilian casualties.

Hafiz Saeed’s Criminal Record and Global Designation

• Mastermind of the 2008 Mumbai attacks, which killed 166 people, including foreign nationals.

• Founder of LeT, a UN-banned terror outfit.

• Sentenced in 2022 to 31 years in two separate terror financing cases.

• Total jail term now stands at 46 years, though his imprisonment conditions are lenient and questionable.

Despite global pressure, Pakistan has consistently protected him, refusing to extradite him to India or hand him over to any international tribunal.

Rising Indo-Pak Tensions: A Volatile Diplomatic Environment

With India halting water-sharing treaties, visa privileges, and diplomatic ties, the situation between the two nuclear-armed neighbours is rapidly deteriorating. The closure of trade routes and increased rhetoric on both sides point to a high-stakes diplomatic standoff.

India has also escalated intelligence surveillance and military readiness in border regions, and there are signs that a covert strategy may be underway to neutralize terror threats, especially high-value targets like Hafiz Saeed.

Conclusion: A Dangerous Escalation in the Region

The Pahalgam terror attack has rekindled the debate around Pakistan’s terror support infrastructure, with Hafiz Saeed once again emerging as a symbol of impunity. Pakistan’s move to fortify Saeed’s security while sheltering him among civilians and religious sites only adds to the moral and strategic dilemma.

As the region teeters on the edge of diplomatic breakdown, the spotlight remains on whether India will pursue covert retaliatory action, and how far Pakistan is willing to go to protect its most controversial figure.

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