Delhi: Weeks after the devastating Pahalgam attack that claimed the lives of 25 tourists and one Kashmiri, Hafiz Muhammad Saeed’s son, Talha Saeed, is reportedly assuming a more prominent role within the organisation.
Key figures within LeT’s hierarchy include Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi, the operational commander who orchestrated high-profile attacks like the 2008 Mumbai attacks. Despite being convicted, Lakhvi continues to oversee military operations, training, and attack planning.
Sajid Mir, another key planner of the Mumbai attacks, remains at large and focuses on international operations. Mohammed Yahya Mujahid heads LeT’s media and spokesman of the organisation.
Haji Muhammad Ashraf is chief of finance for LeT, a position he has held since at least 2003. In 2003 and 2004, Ashraf traveled to the Middle East, where he personally collected donations on behalf of LeT. According to the United Nations Security Council, in 2003, Ashraf assisted Saudi Arabia-based LeT leaders to expand its organisation and increased its fundraising activities.
Arif Qasmani handles external relations with groups like Al-Qaeda. Zafar Iqbal, a co-founder, remains involved in ideological and training aspects.
Zafar Iqbal is a senior leader and co-founder of LeT, which he formed in the late 1980s with current LeT emir Hafiz Muhammad Saeed, and LeT financier and senior member Mahmoud Mohammad Bahaziq.
Mid-level commanders, such as Adil Thokar who was allegedly involved in the Pahalgam attack, execute high-impact missions with small units of militants. According to eh sources, LeT utilises front organisations like Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD), led by Saeed, for charitable work and recruitment. Sources indicate that other fronts like Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation (FIF), Al Madina, and Aisar Foundation help avoid bans. The Milli Muslim League (MML) serves as a political wing. Funding is reportedly channeled through Jamat e Islami’s sub-continental Hawala network.
