Hafiz Saeed’s key role in the Pahalgam terror attack exposed

The attack was executed by a LeT module led by 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed, involving mostly foreign terrorists with support from local militants and overground workers

PGurus Newsdesk

April 25, 2025

The attack was executed by a LeT module led by 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed, involving mostly foreign terrorists with support from local militants and overground workers

Deadly strike in Baisaran Valley

A brutal terrorist attack in the Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, has claimed 26 lives, making it one of the deadliest incidents since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. The coordinated strike, reportedly carried out by a Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) module, has prompted a strong security and diplomatic response from the Indian government.

Terror module linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba and Pakistan’s ISI

The group behind the attack is affiliated with LeT and allegedly operates under the guidance of 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed and his deputy Saifullah, both reportedly based in Pakistan. Indian intelligence agencies have stated that the module receives logistical and tactical support from Pakistan’s ISI and is comprised largely of foreign fighters supported by local overground workers.

Past attacks and module’s footprint across Kashmir

The same module is believed to be responsible for several attacks across Kashmir, including incidents in Sonamarg, Boota Pathri, and Ganderbal. In October 2024, multiple fatalities were reported from attacks on Indian Army personnel and civilian workers. One of the main suspects in the Pahalgam attack, Hashim Musa, is linked to these earlier assaults.

India identifies and eliminates top Lashkar commander

India struck back swiftly, with security forces killing top LeT commander Altaf Lalli in Bandipora. A joint operation by the Army and J&K Police was launched based on specific intelligence. The encounter resulted in injuries to two police personnel but marked a key success in the crackdown on terrorists linked to the Pahalgam massacre.

Diplomatic repercussions: India and Pakistan downgrade ties

In response to the attack, India took several diplomatic measures:

Staff at both countries’ embassies will be reduced from 55 to 30.
Pakistani military attaches have been expelled from New Delhi.
All Pakistani citizens under the SAARC visa exemption scheme must leave India by May 1.
The Indus Waters Treaty has been suspended.
The Attari-Wagah border crossing is now closed indefinitely.

Khawaja Asif’s admission and escalation fears

In a controversial interview, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif admitted the country’s role in supporting terror groups for Western interests but denied any current links with outfits like LeT. He also warned of an “all-out war” if India retaliates militarily, raising fears of a potential escalation between the two nuclear-armed nations.

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