Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Pakistan has sharply increased security for Lashkar-e-Taiba chief Hafiz Saeed-believed to be the mastermind behind the recent Pahalgam terror attack that left 26 civilians dead-by nearly four times, sources told India Today TV. The enhanced security cover includes a 24×7 deployment of armed personnel from the Pakistan Armed Forces, with extensive surveillance measures now in place around Saeed’s known residence in Lahore, they said.
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Hafiz Saeed’s house – located in Mohalla Johar Town, a densely populated residential area in Lahore-has come under an intensified security net following the April 22 attack.
The Pakistan Army, ISI, and Lashkar operatives are jointly overseeing his protection, sources said, adding that drone surveillance has been deployed to monitor the compound, while roads within a 4-kilometre radius have been equipped with high-resolution CCTV cameras.
No civilian movement is permitted near the building, and drones are banned in the area.
Sources said this heightened security protocol was put in place shortly after the Pahalgam attack, claimed by The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of Lashkar-e-Taiba.
Though TRF made the public claim, Indian agencies believe Hafiz Saeed played a central role in orchestrating the strike. The incident has triggered fresh diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan, drawing sharp responses from both sides.
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Despite being designated a global terrorist by the United Nations and the United States-and carrying a USD 10 million bounty-Saeed continues to live openly in Pakistan. His residence, far from being hidden or discreet, lies in the heart of Lahore, surrounded by civilians.
Satellite images and videos accessed by India Today show the compound includes three key structures: Saeed’s fortified residence, a large mosque and madrasa that functions as his operational base, and a newly built private park.
The footage shows Saeed living comfortably under the watch of Pakistani security personnel, contradicting Islamabad’s repeated claims that he is behind bars on terror-financing charges. The country’s intelligence agency, ISI, has also reviewed Saeed’s security, and his residence is being converted into a ‘sub-jail’, allowing him to operate with minimal restrictions while technically remaining in custody.
Security around Saeed had already been increased in 2021 after a car bomb exploded near his house, killing three people. Last month, his protection was again tightened following the killing of his close aide Abu Qatal, and Pakistani intelligence agencies reportedly reviewed the entire security arrangement.
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
