In a chilling revelation, Pakistan-based terror outfits Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) are exploiting the ongoing Gaza conflict to rebuild their networks and recruit fresh cadres for anti-India operations. A detailed report from an Athens-based think tank highlights how these UN-proscribed groups are channeling funds disguised as humanitarian aid into terrorism.
The report points to vulnerabilities in Pakistan’s compliance with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the global watchdog on money laundering and terror financing. Learning from past grey-listing, these organizations have overhauled their funding mechanisms to evade scrutiny.
Geopolitico, the think tank, warns of a dangerous trend: JeM and LeT are fundraising under the guise of Gaza relief, with direct involvement from Masood Azhar’s family members. To dodge international oversight, they’ve shifted from bank accounts to digital wallets, cryptocurrencies, and platforms like EasyPaisa.
The Israel-Hamas war, ignited by the October 7, 2023, attacks, has provided the perfect cover. Masood Azhar’s son Hammad and brother Talha al-Saif lead these campaigns, collecting money for religious works, rebuilding over 300 mosques, prayer mats, and other facilities—all funneled into terror activities.
These groups have long relied on Pakistani diaspora networks in Gulf and Western countries, using fake charities. Funds raised for relief have historically fueled unrest in Jammu and Kashmir and major attacks like the 2008 Mumbai assaults.
This resurgence poses severe threats to regional stability, underscoring the need for tighter international financial monitoring and pressure on Pakistan to dismantle these networks.
