Hafiz Saeed's Deadly Trail
· outdoors
Lashkar-e-Taiba’s Long Shadow: Unpacking the Threads of Terror
The recent developments in the cases against Hafiz Muhammad Saeed and other Pakistan-based accused in the Pahalgam terror attack and 2008 Mumbai terror attacks serve as a stark reminder of the enduring legacy of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). The organisation’s complex history, spanning over four decades, is marked by its involvement in various conflicts, from the Afghan jihad to the Kashmir insurgency.
In the late 1980s, LeT emerged as a militant wing associated with Markaz-ud-Dawa-wal-Irshad (MDI), with two primary objectives: participating in the Afghan jihad and preparing for jihad in Kashmir and India. MDI’s goal was to apply the experience gained in Afghanistan to Kashmir and India, highlighting the seamless transition from one conflict to another.
As LeT’s presence grew in Kashmir, the insurgency intensified, with violence rising sharply from 390 incidents in 1988 to nearly 4,000 in 1990. Against this backdrop, Saeed’s organisation established infrastructure in and around Kashmir while maintaining training facilities in Pakistan and Afghanistan. This period also saw a shift among various groups fighting in Kashmir, as Pakistan’s security establishment increasingly favored those committed to the territory’s integration with Pakistan.
The connections between LeT and the Afghan war, as well as its subsequent redirecting towards other conflicts, raise important questions about the role of external actors in shaping the trajectory of terrorist organisations. The involvement of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) in supporting LeT’s activities has been well-documented, highlighting the complex web of relationships between state actors and non-state entities.
The 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, which killed 166 people, remain a painful memory for India, while the Pahalgam attack in 2025 resulted in the loss of 26 civilians’ lives. The recent developments in the cases against Saeed and other accused serve as a stark reminder that justice is often a long-time coming.
The rise of LeT and other terrorist organisations underscores the need for a more nuanced understanding of the complexities involved, including the role of external actors and state support. It also highlights the importance of cooperation between states to prevent the spread of terrorism and address its root causes.
LeT’s involvement in various conflicts serves as a stark reminder of the enduring impact of historical events on contemporary politics. As we navigate this complex web of relationships, it is essential that we learn from the past to build a more secure future.
The pursuit of justice for victims and their families must continue relentlessly, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges. The long shadow of LeT’s terror serves as a stark warning about the dangers of unchecked extremism and the importance of collective action to prevent its spread.
Ultimately, breaking the cycle of violence requires sustained effort from the international community. By addressing the root causes of terrorism and remaining vigilant, we can work towards creating a more peaceful world for all.
Reader Views
- JHJess H. · thru-hiker
The article does an excellent job of tracing LeT's evolution from Afghan war veteran to Kashmiri insurgent, but what's often overlooked is how this trajectory was facilitated by Pakistan's porous border policies and lax law enforcement. With its proximity to India and a relatively underregulated flow of people and goods, the region has long been vulnerable to radicalization and infiltration. It's high time for policymakers in South Asia to acknowledge these structural weaknesses and work towards strengthening regional security cooperation, rather than simply targeting the symptoms of extremism.
- MTMarko T. · expedition guide
The perpetual problem with viewing Hafiz Saeed's Lashkar-e-Taiba through the lens of historical context alone is that it glosses over the organization's continued adaptability. The article aptly highlights LeT's evolution from Afghan jihad to Kashmir insurgency, but it overlooks the group's demonstrated ability to pivot in response to shifting global circumstances and power vacuums – a quality that makes Saeed's outfit a persistent menace.
- TTThe Trail Desk · editorial
The article does a thorough job of tracing LeT's trail of bloodshed from Afghanistan to Kashmir and Mumbai. However, it glosses over the organizational implications of Saeed's continued freedom in Pakistan. What's striking is how LeT's evolution mirrors that of its benefactors: as Islamabad's priorities shift, so do its terrorist proxies. The piece raises more questions than answers about accountability for those who've enabled this terror machinery – particularly in a context where state and non-state actors often blur the lines.