On the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, a significant figure in the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist network, known for his role in financing the group, was gunned down in Pakistan’s Karachi. The deceased has been identified as Abdul Rehman, a key financial operative and a close associate of Hafiz Saeed, the founder of LeT and Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD). The attack occurred in a crowded marketplace, sending shockwaves across the city.
Brazen Daylight Killing Captured on Video
According to sources, the incident unfolded when two unidentified gunmen arrived on a motorcycle and opened fire on Rehman while he was standing inside a shop. The entire act was captured on camera, and the footage quickly went viral on social media, revealing the assailants firing multiple rounds at point-blank range before making a swift escape. The chilling video has sparked widespread speculation about the motive behind the attack and who might be responsible for it.
Authorities have not yet confirmed the identity of the perpetrators, but the targeted nature of the attack suggests a well-planned operation. Investigators are exploring multiple angles, including internal rivalries, intelligence-backed assassinations, and disputes over terror financing channels.
Rehman’s Crucial Role in LeT’s Financial Network
Abdul Rehman was considered a key financier within LeT’s operational structure, responsible for handling large sums of money used to support terrorist activities in Pakistan, India, and beyond. His primary role involved raising, managing, and distributing funds to various factions within the group.
As per intelligence reports, Rehman wielded significant influence in Karachi, acting as a central figure in LeT’s fundraising operations. Financiers and collectors from various regions reportedly delivered large sums of money to him, which he subsequently funneled to the higher leadership of the terrorist outfit. His ability to maintain a strong financial network had made him a valuable asset for LeT’s continued existence and operations.
Given the strict international scrutiny and financial sanctions imposed on terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba, Rehman’s role had become more critical than ever. His deep-rooted connections in the banking, trade, and business communities of Pakistan allegedly allowed him to circumvent financial restrictions, ensuring a steady flow of funds for terrorist activities.
His assassination is expected to deal a major blow to LeT’s financial network, potentially disrupting its money laundering and terror funding mechanisms. The attack also raises questions about whether Pakistani intelligence agencies were aware of the threat to his life or if rival factions within the terrorist network were involved in his elimination.
A Pattern of Targeted Killings: Another Close Aide of Hafiz Saeed Eliminated Weeks Earlier
Rehman’s killing comes just days after another high-profile terrorist, identified as Abu Qatal, was shot dead in Pakistan on March 16. Qatal, also known as Qatal Sindhi, was a close confidant of Hafiz Saeed and had been involved in several high-profile terror attacks, including:
- The 2017 Reasi bomb blast in Jammu and Kashmir
- The 2023 attack on a bus carrying Hindu pilgrims in the same region
According to intelligence reports, Qatal had long been on India’s most-wanted list due to his direct involvement in planning and executing terror attacks against Indian security forces and civilians.
Much like Abdul Rehman, Qatal’s assassination was carried out in a precisely planned operation. He was traveling in his vehicle when two unidentified gunmen ambushed him, firing multiple rounds and killing him on the spot. The attack was swift, and the assailants managed to escape without leaving a trace, fueling speculation about the involvement of international intelligence agencies.
Implications of Recent Killings in Pakistan’s Terror Landscape
The back-to-back elimination of key Lashkar-e-Taiba operatives has sparked intense debate among security analysts, intelligence officials, and terror groups. Several theories have emerged regarding who might be behind these high-profile assassinations:
Internal Power Struggles within LeT
With terror financing under international scrutiny, factions within the group may be fighting for control over resources. Disputes over money, influence, and leadership could have led to these targeted killings.
Pakistan’s Deep State and Intelligence Agencies
Given the growing international pressure on Pakistan to crack down on terror groups, its intelligence services may be silently eliminating problematic figures to avoid confrontations with global counter-terror agencies.
Covert Operations by Foreign Intelligence Agencies
The precise and professional nature of the attacks suggests that foreign intelligence networks, particularly those from India, may have played a role in neutralizing these terrorists. If true, this would signal a new phase of counter-terror operations beyond India’s borders.
Rival Terrorist Factions Seeking Dominance
Various extremist groups within Pakistan, including Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), IS-Khorasan, and other splinter outfits, have been known to target each other’s leaders to consolidate power. These assassinations could be part of an internal struggle within the larger jihadist ecosystem.
What’s Next for Lashkar-e-Taiba?
With the deaths of Abdul Rehman and Abu Qatal, LeT faces a critical period of restructuring. The financial disruptions caused by Rehman’s elimination will likely hinder the group’s ability to fund large-scale operations. Additionally, the absence of seasoned operatives like Qatal could weaken LeT’s operational capabilities, at least in the short term.
Pakistan, which has long been accused of harboring and supporting terrorist organizations, might use these killings to project a narrative of taking action against extremists. However, questions remain about whether the country’s deep state truly intends to dismantle such groups or is merely engaging in selective targeting to protect its international standing.
Meanwhile, Indian security agencies will be closely monitoring developments, as these eliminations could impact cross-border terror dynamics. If these killings are indeed part of a broader intelligence operation, it could signify a shift in counter-terror strategies aimed at neutralizing threats beyond Indian borders.
A Major Shift in Pakistan’s Security Landscape
The recent targeted assassinations of high-ranking Lashkar-e-Taiba operatives highlight a new phase in the fight against terrorism. Whether these attacks were carried out due to internal rivalries, foreign intelligence operations, or Pakistan’s crackdown on certain elements, their implications will be far-reaching.
As the global war on terror continues, the deaths of Abdul Rehman and Abu Qatal will undoubtedly reshape the operational landscape of LeT, leaving the group scrambling to fill key leadership and financial roles. The coming months will determine whether this is an isolated pattern or the beginning of a larger effort to dismantle Pakistan-based terror networks.