New Delhi: A series of targeted killings by unidentified gunmen has triggered a growing leadership crisis within Lashkar-e-Taiba, raising concerns about its operational stability and internal cohesion.
The latest blow came with the killing of Sheikh Afridi, a close aide of the group’s chief Hafiz Saeed, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. His death is part of a broader pattern that has seen more than 30 operatives linked to outfits like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Hizbul Mujahideen eliminated across Pakistan in 2026 alone.
These incidents, reported from regions including Lahore, Sindh, Balochistan, and Karachi, follow a similar pattern — swift executions by unknown attackers who vanish without a trace. Pakistani security agencies have so far struggled to identify or apprehend those responsible.
Intelligence inputs suggest that these killings are significantly weakening the group’s leadership structure. With Hafiz Saeed no longer as active and Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi reportedly stepping back from active operations, the organisation is facing a vacuum at the top.
Earlier this month, another senior figure, Amir Hamza, was also shot at, further denting the group’s recruitment and ideological outreach. Known as a key mentor, Hamza played an important role in attracting new members — a process that is now reportedly slowing down.
Officials indicate that Afridi was a crucial operational figure, overseeing activities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Jammu & Kashmir, as well as coordinating movement and recruitment. His death has reduced the number of experienced decision-makers within the outfit.
The situation has also led to growing distrust among cadres. Following the reported setbacks during “Operation Sindoor,” many within the group are questioning the leadership’s credibility and its ability to ensure their safety. Concerns have intensified as even senior commanders appear vulnerable to attacks within Pakistan.
Security agencies believe that this combination of leadership losses, internal distrust, and operational setbacks has put the organisation under significant strain. There are also indications that elements within Pakistan’s security establishment may attempt to revive morale through high-impact actions, potentially increasing regional security risks.
Overall, the sustained targeting of key figures appears to be reshaping the internal dynamics of the outfit, leaving it more fragmented and uncertain about its future direction.
With inputs from IANS