Islamabad: Hafiz Abdul Rehman Makki, deputy leader of banned extremist group Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) and the brother-in-law of Mumbai attacks mastermind Hafiz Saeed, died of a heart attack on Friday morning. He passed away at the age of 61.
Makki had been unwell for the past few days, suffering from high diabetes and was undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Lahore, Pakistan. According to officials from Jamaat-ud-Dawa, Makki suffered a cardiac arrest early on Friday morning and passed away in the hospital.
Makki’s profile
Makki, who had kept a low profile in the past few years, was sentenced to six months in prison in 2020 for his involvement in terror financing. Despite his low activity after his conviction, he remained an influential figure within the banned group.
According to PTI reports, in 2023, United Nations had designated Makki as a global terrorist, imposing severe sanctions on him, including an asset freeze, a travel ban, and an arms embargo. His property was also confiscated as part of the global sanctions. The Pakistan Mutahida Muslim League (PMML), a political group, paid tribute to him, describing him as a staunch advocate of the Pakistani ideology.
Terror funding case
Makki’s death has drawn attention due to his close ties with Hafiz Saeed, mastermind behind the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.
The JuD, the group he led as deputy chief, has been banned by Pakistan and many other countries for its involvement in spreading extremism and terror financing. Despite facing sanctions and legal action, Makki had continued to maintain his influential position within the group.
