Who controls Pak terror networks? Dossier maps leadership, funding, front wings

India Today

05-05-2025

Intelligence agencies have compiled a detailed dossier on Pakistan-based terrorist groups Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), as the country remains on high alert following the April 22 Pahalgam terrorist attack. Exclusively accessed by India Today, the dossier outlines the command hierarchy and funding channels of these outfits, offering critical insights into their top leadership, launch commanders, and sources of financial support.advertisementThe detailed intelligence report maps key figures and their specific roles, operational structure, pinpointing individuals responsible for crucial activities such as recruitment, training, and the execution of terror attacks, as well as the financial arteries that sustain these groups.According to the dossier, while Maulana Masood Azhar holds the supreme position (Emir) within Jaish-e-Mohammed, directly overseeing key figures, Mohammad Hasan serves as the organisation's spokesperson.
A look at important individuals identified in the dossier:Maulana Masood Azhar - Emir (Organisation chief)Mohammad Hasan - SpokespersonMaulana Qari Masood Ahmed - Chief, Propaganda WingMufti Asghar - Chief Commander, OperationsIbrahim Rather - Chief, Milli AffairsMaulana Sajjad Usman - Finance Incharge (Formerly with Harkat-ul-Mujahideen (HUM))Saifullah Shakir - Nazim RMC (Former in-charge of Al Rehmat Trust)Maulana Mufti Mohammad Asghar alias Saad Baba - Launch Commander (Former Harkat-ul-Mujahideen member)advertisementThe dossier highlights the operational bases of these terror groups in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK), where strategies for anti-India activities are formulated. The role of the launch commander is very important in these organisations, which are responsible for infiltration into India and the training of terrorists. Maulana Mufti Mohammad Asghar alias Saad Baba has been described as the main launch commander of Jaish, who has previously been associated with HUM.ORGANISATION OF LASHKAR-E-TAIBA
Chief: Hafiz Mohammad Saeed - The Lashkar-e-Taiba Chief has gradually begun transferring the leadership responsibilities of the organisation to his son, Talha Saeed, who is now playing a key role in its operations.Chief of Operations: Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi - The operational commander of Lashkar-e-Taiba and the key mastermind behind the 2008 Mumbai attacks. He was arrested following the attacks but was released on bail in 2015. In 2021, he was sentenced to 15 years in prison.Lakhvi is responsible for overseeing military operations, managing terrorist training camps, and planning attacks. He also coordinates field commanders and handles logistical support.OTHER TERRORIST LEADERSadvertisementSajid Mir alias Saifullah Sajid Jat - The principal mastermind behind the 2008 Mumbai attacks, Mir remains absconding and is on the FBI's most-wanted list. He primarily focuses on international operations and recruitment.Mohammad Yahya Mujahid - The head of Lashkar-e-Taiba's media department and its spokesperson. He is responsible for managing the organisation's propaganda strategies and public relations.Haji Mohammad Ashraf - The finance head of Lashkar-e-Taiba, overseeing fundraising and financial operations. He coordinates funding through Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) and other affiliated fronts.Arif Qasmani - The coordinator of external contacts, tasked with establishing links with other terrorist organizations, including Al-Qaeda.Zafar Iqbal - A co-founder of Lashkar-e-Taiba, Iqbal has been involved in the group's ideological and training activities, although recent reports indicate a decline in his activity.FRONTAL ORGANISATIONSThe dossier also sheds light on LeT's supporting organisations and front wings:Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) - The public face of Lashkar-e-Taiba, led by Hafiz Saeed. JuD has gained a foothold in society by operating schools, hospitals, and conducting relief work, using these initiatives as a means to recruit and radicalise individuals. Both the United Nations and the United States have designated it a terrorist organisation.Falah-e-Insaniyat Foundation (FIF), Al Madina, and Aiser Foundation - These groups were established to circumvent sanctions imposed on JuD. They continue to carry out the same activities previously handled by JuD.advertisementMilli Muslim League (MML)- The political wing of Lashkar-e-Taiba, created to expand its influence within Pakistan's political sphere. The United States has also banned MML, labelling it a front organisation for Lashkar.TERROR FUNDING NETWORKThe funding network is detailed, revealing that Jamaat-e-Islami's hawala network facilitates fund transfers across the subcontinent to support LeT's operations in India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.Investigative agencies have identified individuals like Maulana Sajjad Usman, previously linked to HUM, as being responsible for funding. Funds are reportedly raised under the guise of Al Rehmat Trust and utilised for terrorist training, infiltration, weapons supply, and propaganda.This comprehensive dossier is anticipated to be a significant asset for security forces and agencies in their efforts to dismantle these terrorist networks operating from Pakistani soil and posing a threat to India. It underscores the systematic nature of these operations.Tune InMust Watch
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