Pakistan's terror paradox: Hafiz Saeed seen praying at new Lashkar site in Pakistan. What this reveals about Lashkar’s revival

Photos of Hafiz Saeed at a foundation ceremony in Multan highlight Pakistan’s ongoing support for banned terror groups, raising concerns about its counterterrorism claims and enforcement, especially as Saeed oversees new Lashkar-e-Taiba infrastructure projects.

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Fresh images circulating from Pakistan have once again exposed the gap between Islamabad’s public commitments on counterterrorism and the reality on the ground. Photographs showing Hafiz Saeed at a foundation-laying ceremony in Multan have triggered alarm in Indian security circles, reinforcing concerns that Pakistan continues to allow banned terror groups to operate openly.

The visuals, first reported by CNN-News18, come at a time when Pakistan is seeking international financial support and claiming compliance with global anti-terror norms. Instead of restraint or concealment, the images suggest confidence and impunity, sending a stark signal that terror infrastructure linked to India-focused groups remains intact and active.

Saeed seen at new construction site in Multan

According to the CNN-News18 report, the images show Saeed participating in prayers and rituals at a construction site in Multan, which intelligence officials believe is being developed as a new base for Lashkar-e-Taiba. Security sources said Saeed’s public presence at such an event underlines continued patronage and protection for terror elements within Pakistan.

Hafiz Saeed is the alleged mastermind of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks and has also been named in investigations related to the Pulwama suicide bombing. India’s National Investigation Agency has booked him in multiple cases linked to terror financing and militant activity in Jammu and Kashmir.

Cosmetic crackdowns and deep state protection

While Pakistan has periodically claimed to have acted against Saeed, including short spells of detention on terror-financing charges, Indian and international analysts have long described these steps as cosmetic. A senior security official quoted in the report said the images are “proof that Pakistan continues to operate terror infrastructure openly, even as it seeks international financial assistance.”

Recent assessments suggest that after Operation Sindoor, terror groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed are regrouping under ISI protection. Internal dissent within LeT, once seen as a liability for Pakistan’s deep state, now appears to be managed through renewed organisational activity and visible backing.

Global designations, little enforcement

Lashkar-e-Taiba is designated a terrorist organisation by India, the United States and several other countries. The US State Department has placed a $10 million reward on Saeed under its Rewards for Justice programme, identifying him as the head of Jamaat-ud-Dawa, a known LeT front.

Despite these designations, Saeed’s ability to appear publicly and oversee new infrastructure projects raises serious questions about enforcement. Analysts warn that Pakistan’s tolerance of such activity undermines claims of zero tolerance for terrorism and highlights the persistent role of the military and intelligence establishment in shielding anti-India terror networks.