Over the past year and a half, numerous Hamas terrorists have visited Pakistan and engaged in public activities. The ISI has welcomed Hamas leaders and coordinated with Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed members. Despite Hamas being weakened by Israeli attacks, attempts to regroup have been unsuccessful due to continued Israeli surveillance in Gaza.
Upon seeking assistance from the ISI, Hamas has been allowed space in Pakistan for regrouping, conducting training exercises, and bringing in new recruits with the help of local extremist groups. While Hamas operates without fear of Israeli strikes in Pakistan, Indian agencies have expressed concerns about the group’s presence.
Although Hamas in Pakistan may not directly threaten India, its collaboration with terror groups poses a significant concern. Hamas, with more advanced capabilities than other groups, shares expertise during training sessions, potentially leading to more sophisticated attacks, posing a danger to India.
The cooperation between Hamas and local extremist groups benefits both sides as they are in a phase of regrouping after facing significant losses. The ISI has used Hamas’s name to raise funds for Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, diverting the money to rebuild their facilities. This situation highlights Pakistan’s double standards, especially as it hosts Hamas while being invited to join a peace-promoting organization by US President Donald Trump.
