Hafiz Saeed Security Increased After Aide’s Murder

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

• Pakistan increased security for LeT chief Hafiz Saeed after his close aide was murdered.
• Concerns arise for the safety of 26/11 plotter Hafiz Saeed and his son, Talha Saeed.
• Pakistani intelligence agency ISI has reviewed Hafiz Saeed’s security arrangements.
• Most wanted terrorist Abu Qatal was murdered in Pakistan, sparking widespread fear.
• Indian intelligence suggests increased security for Hafiz Saeed due to potential threats.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

Following the murder of a close aide of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) chief Hafiz Saeed, Pakistan has heightened the security for the 26/11 plotter. Hafiz Saeed is currently lodged in jail on terror charges, according to sources. Pakistan’s spy agency, ISI, has reportedly reviewed the terrorist leader’s security arrangements amid ongoing threats. The safety of Hafiz Saeed has become a paramount concern in Pakistan.

LeT’s most wanted terrorist, Abu Qatal, was murdered in Pakistan. Assailants fired 15 to 20 rounds, also killing one of his security guards on the spot. Considered the most trusted handler of Saeed, 43-year-old Rehman was the mastermind behind the Reasi attack in Jammu and Kashmir, among others. The murder of Abu Qatal has caused widespread panic.

According to Indian intelligence sources, the security of Hafiz Saeed’s son, Talha Saeed, has also been increased. He was previously targeted in an attack. Hafiz Saeed has been a repeated target of attacks in Pakistan. In 2021, a suicide bombing near his hideout in Lahore narrowly missed him. In 2023, two top Lashkar commandos, Hanzla Adnan and Riyaz Ahmed alias Abu Qasim — both close to Hafiz Saeed — were also killed by unknown assailants. These incidents highlight the persistent danger surrounding Hafiz Saeed.

A series of recent attacks targetted several of Hafiz Saeed’s close associates, triggering a panic within the Lashkar camp. In December 2024, Abdul Rehman Makki, the second-in-command of the terror outfit and a mastermind of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, died. Fearing an attack, Saeed did not attend Makki’s funeral, even though the latter was his relative. Abdul Rehman Makki was also designated as a terrorist by India.

Makki’s funeral was led by Hafiz’s son on behalf of Saeed, with several top terrorists in Pakistan in attendance. However, Pakistani intelligence agency ISI reportedly prevented Saeed from joining the funeral. According to intelligence sources speaking to India Today, several wanted terrorists from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) have been relocated to different safe houses in Pakistan. This relocation is aimed at protecting these terrorists given the heightened threat levels against Hafiz Saeed and his network.

Aakhir Tak – Key Takeaways to Remember

• Security for Hafiz Saeed increased after the murder of his close aide, Abu Qatal.
• 26/11 plotter Hafiz Saeed and his son Talha Saeed receive heightened protection.
• ISI reviews Hafiz Saeed’s security arrangements amidst increasing threats.
• Hafiz Saeed has been the target of several attacks in the past.
• Wanted terrorists from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) relocated to safer locations.

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