The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has declared Abdul Rehman Makki, the deputy leader of Lashkar-e-Taiba, as a global terrorist. The United States and India had been persistently demanding his designation as a global terrorist. Previously, China had obstructed declaring him a global terrorist, but with the proposal passing his listing in UNSC, he was finally labeled. This most-wanted terrorist of India was arrested in Pakistan in May 2019.
How Makki Was Arrested
It was May 15, 2019, when Pakistan apprehended Abdul Rehman Makki, notorious for his involvement in the Mumbai attacks and the brother-in-law of Jamaat-ud-Dawa's chief Hafiz Saeed, in Gujranwala, Punjab. The arrest followed a ban on 11 Jamaat-ud-Dawa, Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation, and Jaish-e-Mohammed syndicates. Angry supporters attempted to protest his detention.
Makki Criticized the Pakistani Government
Abdul Rehman Makki was notorious for hatching terrorist plots against India. However, his arrest loomed when he publicly criticized the Pakistani government and certain organizations in a speech in Gujranwala. He openly condemned the actions taken as per Financial Action Task Force (FATF) directives, causing him to become a thorn in Pakistan's side. Hence, his arrest was not delayed.
Funding His Ventures
Indeed, Abdul Rehman Makki was involved in terrorist activities to achieve his objectives, requiring sizable funds. He therefore raised funds under the banner of Jamaat-ud-Dawa and Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation to finance his terrorist missions. Many people fell for his schemes, providing him with donations and financial support. Makki was held in Lahore prison following his capture in May 2019.
An Anti-India Stance
Within the Jamaat-ud-Dawa, Makki wielded substantial influence, acting as a second-in-command leader. He was unapologetic about spewing venom against India. In 2010, he made headlines with his anti-India declarations, notably a speech in Muzaffarabad eight days before the Pune German Bakery blast, threatening terrorist attacks across three Indian cities including Pune. This prompted the U.S. to declare Makki a terrorist at India's insistence.
Close Ties with Taliban and Al-Qaeda
Before his arrest in Pakistan, Abdul Rehman Makki appeared in a video challenging Prime Minister Narendra Modi, advocating for Kashmir's liberation. Known for his toxic rhetoric against India, a bounty of approximately 13 crore rupees (20 million dollars) rests on his head. He maintained close affiliations with Taliban leader Mullah Omar and Al-Qaeda leader Al-Zawahiri.
Pakistan's Anti-terror Campaign
This was a period where global pressure mounted on Pakistan to act against terrorism. Consequently, before Makki's arrest, Pakistan took action against terrorist organizations like Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JUD), Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation (FIF), and Jaish-e-Mohammed under the National Action Plan (NAP). Pakistani agencies seized over 500 properties in Punjab province owned by JUD and FIF as part of this operation.
Action on Organizations, Then Makki
The Pakistani Punjab Home Ministry revealed that provincial authorities had taken control of schools, colleges, hospitals, dispensaries, ambulances, and steamer boats belonging to JUD and FIF across Punjab's 36 districts. Sources from the Punjab Home Ministry also divulged that all properties related to JUD and FIF were now under provincial government custody. Subsequently, the arrest of Abdul Rehman Makki was the second major action against the organization.
Makki's Involvement in 7 Terrorist Incidents in India
It should be noted that terrorist Abdul Rehman Makki is accused of involvement in seven terrorist incidents against India. Indian agencies have presented evidence on international platforms. Consequently, proposals were brought against Abdul Rehman Makki in the UNSC in 2020 and June 2022, demanding his designation as a global terrorist under the UN Security Council's 1267 ISIL (Daesh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee. Yet, China obstructed the proposals both times.
UN Declares Makki a Global Terrorist
However, recently on Monday, the UN, following the Security Council's committee proposals, declared Makki a global terrorist under the 1267 ISIL (Daesh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee. According to UNSC proposals, Makki is now barred from using assets, acquiring weapons, and traveling beyond jurisdiction.
