Hafiz Saeed Gets 4X Security After J&K Attack, Armed Forces And ISI Jointly Oversee His Protection In Lahore
New Delhi: 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. 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.
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.
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. 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.
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.
