New terror nexus? Lashkar–Hamas links laid bare, fresh alarm over Pakistan’s role

Lashkar–Hamas links spotlight Pakistan’s terror dilemma

A rare public admission by a senior Lashkar-e-Taiba commander operating from Pakistan has lifted the lid on direct contacts with Hamas, fuelling fears of an expanding terror nexus that could link militant networks across South Asia and the Middle East.

The admission comes from Faisal Nadeem, a commander associated with the Pakistani Markazi Muslim League, widely viewed as the political front of LeT. In a video, Nadeem confirmed that he met Hamas leaders in Doha in 2024, lending rare public weight to long-suspected links between the two US-designated terrorist organisations.

In a recent video, Faisal Nadeem , PMML/LeT chief of Sindh admits meeting Hamas members in Qatar. pic.twitter.com/iDptoQ7NCB

— THE UNKNOWN MAN (@Theunk5555) January 27, 2026

These disclosures arrive at a sensitive moment diplomatically. US President Donald Trump has proposed deploying Pakistani troops to Gaza under his ‘Board of Peace’ initiative, a plan intended to “promote stability, restore dependable and lawful governance, and secure enduring peace in areas affected or threatened by conflict”. The proposal has been signed and accepted by Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif.

According to a report by the US-based Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI), the deepening relationship between Hamas and Pakistan-based militant groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad risks undermining international counterterrorism efforts. MEMRI warns that the nexus could threaten regional stability and Western security interests alike.

The Board of Peace, a US-led intergovernmental organisation, was formally established on January 15, 2026. Three days later, on January 18, Trump, acting as its chair, invited Sharif to join the body. Yet concerns persist over Pakistan’s approach to Hamas. The group’s representatives are allowed to operate openly in the country, attend public events and build alliances with local militant outfits — a reality that complicates Western attempts to diplomatically isolate Hamas.

This has fuelled renewed debate over whether Washington should continue to regard Pakistan as a ‘major non-Nato ally’, given what critics see as a contradiction between its international commitments and domestic permissiveness.

Pakistan cannot be trusted. It is a haven for TERRORISTS.Look at Senior Hamas commander shows up as chief guest at a Lashkar terror event in Pakistan.SUPPORT INDIA. ONLY INDIA. 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/UBKjlE6iWU

— Hananya Naftali (@HananyaNaftali) January 8, 2026

Security officials and analysts increasingly describe the LeT–Hamas relationship as an emerging terror nexus that could draw the attention of India, Israel and the United States. While global efforts remain focused on dismantling Hamas’s military capabilities in Gaza, ignoring Pakistan’s growing role as a potential fallback base could allow the group to regroup and strengthen once Middle East operations subside.

For Lashkar-e-Taiba, the timing is also significant. The organisation suffered a major blow during India’s Operation Sindoor, when precision strikes destroyed its headquarters in Muridke. Analysts believe this may push the group to seek operational depth farther from India’s borders.

Nadeem’s confession has reinforced these concerns. Pakistan has a long history of nurturing militant groups targeting India, while Hamas has pursued a similar campaign against Israel. The overlap between the two, observers warn, creates a dangerous convergence of interests.

MEMRI also cited recent visuals from Pakistan, including footage from a January 2026 LeT-linked gathering in Gujranwala. The event featured senior Hamas representative Naji Zaheer alongside LeT operative Rashid Ali Sandhu, underscoring the growing proximity between the groups. The report further noted that Saifullah Kesari, identified as the mastermind of the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack, was reportedly present with Nadeem in Doha — a claim the LeT commander himself confirmed.

(With inputs from agencies)