Islamabad:
Mumbai’s 26/11 attacks mastermind Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi is once again in the news. Recently, a video of hers went viral, in which she was allegedly seen doing exercise. After this video surfaced, questions were raised about the hospitality of a UN banned terrorist in Pakistan. It is indeed now being told that Pakistan’s intelligence agency Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) has forced Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) commander Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi to go underground.
The person seen in the video is Lakhvi
Recently, a video went viral on social media showing a bearded man participating in a fitness routine, leading to speculations that the man was a UN-designated global terrorist, India Today reported.India Today Open source Investigation Team (OSINT) confirmed the identity using three facial recognition programs, verifying that the man seen in the footage was indeed lakhvi, who was indicted by a pakistan court in 2021 for terror financing activities. Was sentenced to five years in jail.
ISI hid Lakhvi
According to sources, the emergence of the video has created a stir in Pakistani intelligence agencies, due to which it was decided to take terrorist Lakhvi underground. Lakhvi, banned by the UN Security Council’s Al-Qaeda and Taliban Sanctions Committee after the 2008 Mumbai attacks, was arrested in Pakistan in 2021 and is in jail. But according to intelligence sources,he has homes in Rawalpindi,Lahore and okara,where he roams freely.
Video went viral before ICC Champions Trophy
This video has gone viral when Pakistan is going to host the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. india’s BCCI has expressed its inability to send the team due to security concerns. There have been terrorist attacks on cricket teams in Pakistan before. In such a situation,BCCI of India does not want to take any chances. For this reason, the supreme body of cricket is preparing to organize the ICC Champions Trophy on hybrid mode.
how can global security agencies effectively collaborate to address the challenges posed by individuals like Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi?
Interview with Counterterrorism Expert Dr. Sarah Khan on the Recent Controversy Surrounding Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. khan. The recent viral video of Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi,the mastermind behind the 2008 Mumbai attacks,has reignited discussions about PakistanS handling of terrorism. What are your initial thoughts?
dr. Khan: Thank you for having me. It’s alarming, to say the least.The fact that a UN-designated terrorist like lakhvi was seen exercising comfortably raises notable questions about Pakistan’s commitment to counterterrorism efforts and the efficacy of global sanctions.
Editor: It’s been reported that after the video surfaced, the Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) is now compelled to take Lakhvi underground. What does this say about the oversight of such figures?
Dr. Khan: It indicates a reactive rather than proactive approach from Pakistani intelligence agencies. While they may have decided to push him underground to avoid further scrutiny, it also reflects their struggle to effectively manage known terrorists within their borders. This is especially concerning given Lakhvi’s history — he was previously arrested for terror financing and has connections to the Lashkar-e-Taiba, which continues to pose a threat to both India and global security.
Editor: The timing of the video going viral,especially as Pakistan prepares to host the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy,raises eyebrows. How significant is this from a security perspective?
Dr. Khan: Extremely significant. The cricket world is acutely aware of past terrorist incidents targeting teams in Pakistan. With the Board of Control for Cricket in india (BCCI) expressing security-related concerns, it’s clear that Pakistan needs to assure international bodies of its safety measures. Hosting such an event with tensions still lingering will surely bring unique challenges, especially with high-profile terrorists like Lakhvi moving under the radar.
editor: There’s speculation about potential hybrid modes for the ICC Champions Trophy. How should international sporting bodies navigate security in such contexts?
Dr. Khan: International sporting bodies must exercise caution. they should conduct complete security assessments and potentially involve third-party security experts to evaluate the situation on the ground.Hybrid models could also provide a compromise, allowing teams that are apprehensive about security to participate in a safer manner. Ultimately, safety cannot be compromised, and clarity about security measures is paramount.
Editor: What advice would you offer countries interacting with regimes that harbor such individuals?
Dr. Khan: Countries should adopt a multi-faceted approach: diplomatic pressure must be coupled with sanctions to ensure compliance with international laws. Additionally, fostering engagement with civil society and local communities could help counter the narratives that support terrorism. Ultimately, it’s about creating a holistic strategy that encompasses not just political, but also social dimensions.
Editor: Thank you, dr. Khan,for your valuable insights into this pressing issue.The global community certainly has much to consider as we evaluate the impacts of individuals like Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi and their implications on international security.
Dr. Khan: It was my pleasure. The battle against terrorism requires vigilance and cooperation, and I hope to see stronger measures implemented in the near future.