The Elimination of Abu Qatal: A Major Setback for Pakistan’s Terror Networks
Today, we bring you a significant update on global security and terrorism. Pakistan is facing a turbulent time, as March has proven to be a month of major setbacks. Recently, the Balochistan Liberation Army inflicted a severe blow to Pakistan, and now, another crucial development has emerged—the assassination of Abu Qatal, a key aide to UN-designated terrorist Hafiz Saeed.
Let’s dive deep into this major geopolitical event and analyze its implications for India, Pakistan, and the global fight against terrorism.
Who Was Abu Qatal?
Abu Qatal, also known as Jia-ur-Rehman Abu Qatal, was a highly dangerous terrorist operating under the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) umbrella. He was one of Hafiz Saeed’s most trusted men and played a crucial role in orchestrating multiple terrorist attacks in India. He was involved in major strikes, including the Rajouri and Reasi attacks in Jammu & Kashmir, targeting innocent civilians and Hindu pilgrims.
He was on India’s Most Wanted list, and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) had extensive data on his terror activities. His elimination marks a significant success in the battle against terrorism.
The Assassination: How It Happened?
Reports indicate that Abu Qatal was shot dead in Jhelum, Punjab province of Pakistan. Unknown assailants approached him and fired nearly 20 bullets at him, leaving no chance for survival. He died instantly, bringing an end to his reign of terror.
This sudden attack has left Pakistan’s intelligence agencies scrambling for answers. Who were these unknown attackers? How did they manage to eliminate such a high-profile terrorist without being caught?
While Pakistan’s government and intelligence agencies are quick to blame India, official Indian sources have not made any direct claims. However, this assassination aligns with a broader pattern where key terrorist figures in Pakistan are being systematically eliminated.
India’s Stance: Did RAW Play a Role?
Pakistan has long accused India’s external intelligence agency, RAW (Research and Analysis Wing), of conducting covert operations to eliminate terrorists within its borders. The Guardian had previously published reports suggesting that India had issued orders for targeted killings of terrorists in Pakistan. However, India has always maintained that it does not engage in extrajudicial killings.
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh had earlier stated in a political rally:
“If a terrorist comes from Pakistan, carries out attacks in India, and escapes back to Pakistan, we will go to Pakistan and eliminate him there.”
This strong statement reinforced India’s commitment to counter-terrorism. While India officially denies involvement in Abu Qatal’s killing, the possibility remains open.
The Bigger Picture: Terrorism and Pakistan’s Double Standards
Pakistan has often played a double game when it comes to terrorism. While it claims to fight terrorism, it has consistently harbored and supported groups like LeT, Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), and the Haqqani Network.
Even Afghanistan, through its news portal Amu, has accused Pakistan of sheltering terrorists. A recent article titled “Pakistan’s Double Game on Terrorism” exposes how Pakistan selectively hands over some terrorists to the US while continuing to protect others.
Former US President Donald Trump even thanked Pakistan for its counter-terrorism cooperation after they handed over a