Hafiz Abdul Rahman Makki, 26/11 Mastermind, Dies of Heart Attack in Lahore

Hafiz Abdul Rahman Makki, one of the masterminds behind the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, has died in Lahore, Pakistan, following a heart attack. Makki, a key figure in the terror network led by Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD), was the brother-in-law of JuD chief Hafiz Saeed and served as the deputy chief of the organization. JuD issued a statement confirming Makki’s death, stating he had been unwell for several days due to diabetes and was undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Lahore when he succumbed to a heart attack on Friday.

Makki’s death marks the end of another enemy of India who was deeply involved in plotting and financing terrorist activities. Despite India’s repeated demands for his extradition and action against him, Pakistan continued to shield Makki and other terror operatives like Hafiz Saeed. These individuals not only orchestrated terrorist attacks but also actively raised funds to sustain terror networks. Under international pressure, Pakistan’s Anti-Terrorism Court sentenced Makki to a mere six months in prison in 2020 on charges of terror financing. However, he remained a free man, roaming openly in Pakistan like many other designated terrorists.

Makki operated largely behind the scenes, managing JuD’s operations while Hafiz Saeed served as the public face of the organization. His low profile allowed him to evade attention for years. In 2023, the United Nations declared Makki an international terrorist, imposing a travel ban and ordering the seizure of his assets. Despite these measures, Pakistan’s lack of concrete action allowed him to continue his activities with impunity.

Makki was also implicated in numerous other terror incidents apart from the 26/11 attacks. He was accused of plotting the 2000 Red Fort attack and was linked to the Rampur terror attack, the 2018 Srinagar attack, and the Baramulla terror attack. On May 30, 2018, Makki orchestrated an attack in Baramulla that claimed the lives of three civilians. He was also involved in the killing of senior journalist Shujaat Bukhari in Srinagar, along with two of Bukhari’s associates. These attacks, carried out by Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), highlighted Makki’s active role in terrorism across India.

Hafiz Saeed, Makki’s brother-in-law, is the founder of Lashkar-e-Taiba, the terror outfit responsible for several deadly attacks in India, including the 26/11 Mumbai attacks that claimed over 160 lives. Makki’s death is unlikely to halt the activities of LeT and JuD, as these organizations continue to receive support from Pakistan’s establishment.

Makki’s demise serves as a reminder of the persistent threat posed by state-supported terrorism emanating from Pakistan. While his death closes one chapter in the long fight against terrorism, the broader challenge of dismantling terror networks and holding their enablers accountable remains critical for regional peace and security.