The terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam has resulted in the tragic death of 28 people, marking one of the most substantial attacks targeting tourists in the valley. Investigations reveal a Pakistani plot, with intelligence identifying two out of four terrorists involved as Pakistani nationals. Furthermore, 'The Resistance Front' (TRF), an offshoot of the notorious terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba, has claimed responsibility for the attack.
The attackers meticulously planned to target tourists during this incident. The assault coincided with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Saudi Arabia and U.S. Vice President JD Vance’s presence in India. Recent signs of Masood Azhar’s resurgence, the rapidly expanding terror network, and the malevolent schemes of Jaish-e-Mohammed unravel the chronology of the Pahalgam attack without delay.
Masood Azhar Re-emerges in Pakistan
July reports revealed that Jaish's chief, Masood Azhar, is once again active in Pakistan, attending a wedding ceremony, contrary to prior media reports labeling him as 'deceased' or 'ill.' Despite these claims, Masood Azhar roams freely, as confirmed by multimedia clip analyses conducted by India Today's OSINT team.
Read More: Terrorists Operated from 'Safe Houses' in Muzaffarabad and Karachi, Foiling Pakistan's Claims!
There have been repeated instances linking Jaish to recent terrorist attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, which exploit local terrorist groups for execution. In June, Masood Azhar attended a wedding in Bahawalpur, Pakistan, where he also delivered a speech hinting at the jihad in Kashmir and Palestine. Notably, he had avoided public gatherings since a post-April 2019 explosion at his residence in Peshawar left him unscathed.
Source: aajtak
PoK Hosts Terror Cabinet Meeting
In August, intelligence reviewed by India Today unveiled the activation of a new terror syndicate in Pakistan. Early last year, Bahawalpur hosted a convergence of notorious terrorist groups, including Jaish’s Masood Azhar, Al-Badr’s Bakht Zameen, Hizbul Mujahideen’s Syed Salahuddin, and others. Many of these groups operate in PoK, orchestrating cross-border terrorist activities, including infiltration and smuggling.
Read More: PoK's 42 Terror Launch Pads... Pakistan's Response to Retaliation Fears Post-Pahalgam Attack, Army on High Alert
The latest data indicates this terror syndicate has systematically divided responsibilities among units concerning recruitment, training, weapons, ammunition, funding, logistics, and propaganda. Pakistan’s new 'Terror Cabinet' is orchestrating attacks in Jammu and Kashmir and furthering anti-India agendas.
Terrorists Roam Free
In November 2024, reports emerged stating that FBI-arrested Pakistani-origin terrorist David Headley denounced Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi, LeT's chief military commander, as having orchestrated the 26/11 Mumbai attacks that claimed 175 lives.
Source: aajtak
Although briefly imprisoned by a Pakistani court, Lakhvi now strolls freely through Lahore and Rawalpindi. These circumstances prompted India to refuse cricketing events in Pakistan, despite their eagerness to host. Listed under UNSC's terror listings, Lakhvi reportedly now operates under the new alias Abu Wassi.
Jaish Expands its Operations
This March, reports surfaced of Jaish-e-Mohammed’s headquarters in Bahawalpur undergoing expansion. Pakistan was recently removed from FATF's grey list in October 2022. Despite global crackdowns on terror funding by top organizations, Jaish's expansion coincided with this delisting.
Satellite images illustrate 'Jamia Masjid Subhanallah’s' size doubling beyond 18 acres since its construction in 2011-12, with rapid developments beginning in late 2022—the exact timeframe coinciding with Pakistan's removal from the grey list. India Today received these satellite captures from Damien Symon, a geo-intelligence researcher from 'The Intel Lab.'
TRF Terrorists Execute Attack
The terrorists executing the attack reportedly took directives from Jaish via the Resistance Front, or TRF. Indian intelligence acquired advanced communication devices at the attack site, unequivocally pointing to external logistical support and order sources. Agencies assert the attackers maintained contact with their leaders situated in Pakistan.
Read More: Claim on Kashmir, Incite Against Hindus... Examining PAK Army Chief Munir's Involvement in Pahalgam Attack?
The Pahalgam attack suspects' digital footprint implicates safe houses in Muzaffarabad and Karachi in PoK, substantiating trans-border connections. The weaponry sighted also hints at the attackers receiving military-grade training and assistance. However, Pakistan categorically denies involvement in its initial response to the attack.
