India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) has named jailed Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed as the alleged mastermind behind the Pahalgam Attack, despite the fact that he has been imprisoned in Pakistan since 2020.
The latest development has renewed debate over India’s allegations against Pakistan. Pakistani officials have again rejected the claims, saying no publicly available evidence has been presented to connect Pakistan with the incident.
According to the NIA, Hafiz Saeed has been charged with waging war against India and allegedly planning the Pahalgam Attack from across the border. The agency claims he directed the operation despite his imprisonment.
The Pahalgam Attack killed dozens of tourists and became one of the most serious security incidents in recent years. The attack sharply increased tensions between India and Pakistan.
Following the incident, India blamed Pakistan for supporting the attackers. New Delhi later suspended the Indus Waters Treaty and carried out military strikes inside Pakistani territory.
Pakistan responded with military action and strongly denied any involvement. Islamabad has repeatedly stated that India has not presented credible evidence to support its accusations.
When the attack first occurred, Indian authorities identified The Resistance Front (TRF) as the group responsible. Officials have since argued that TRF operates as a proxy for the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).
The latest investigation also alleges that Hafiz Saeed directed TRF’s activities. However, the accusation has raised questions because Saeed has remained in prison for several years.
Pakistani authorities arrested Hafiz Saeed in July 2019 during intensified action against terror financing linked to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) requirements.
Since February 2020, he has been convicted in multiple terror financing cases by Pakistani courts.
According to publicly available United Nations information, Hafiz Saeed is serving a combined prison sentence of 78 years based on seven convictions. He remains incarcerated at Kot Lakhpat Central Jail in Lahore.
Pakistan has consistently denied any role in the Pahalgam Attack. Officials maintain that allegations should be supported by verifiable evidence instead of public accusations.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif previously proposed an independent international investigation into the attack. Pakistan said such an inquiry could help establish the facts through an impartial process.
India did not accept that proposal.
The latest charges have once again highlighted the differing positions held by both countries. While India maintains that Pakistan-based elements were responsible, Pakistan continues to reject the allegations and calls for publicly available evidence.
Observers note that major security incidents between the two countries are often followed by diplomatic disputes and competing narratives. Some analysts have questioned how an individual who has reportedly remained imprisoned since 2020 could have coordinated such an operation.
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The renewed allegations are expected to keep the Pahalgam Attack at the center of political and diplomatic discussions between India and Pakistan, as both sides continue to defend their respective positions.
