Pahalgam terror attack: Saifullah Khalid identified as mastermind behind deadly incident

On Tuesday, following the attack, the terror outfit The Resistance Front (TRF) claimed responsibility. TRF is widely recognised as a front for Lashkar-e-Taiba and was formed in 2019 to provide plausible deniability to Pakistan's involvement in cross-border terrorism. 

Saifullah's connection with Hafiz Saeed

As per information, Saifullah is a close aide of Lashkar chief Hafiz Saeed and serves as the outfit's deputy chief. He is credited with founding both TRF and People’s Anti-Fascist Front (PAFF), both considered proxy arms of Lashkar. Saifullah has been linked to several terror operations against India and is known to enjoy support from both Hafiz Saeed and the Pakistani military establishment.

In a provocative speech delivered in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during a gathering allegedly organised by the Pakistan Army and ISI, Saifullah declared, "Today is February 2, and I vow that by February 2, 2026, we will do everything possible to seize Kashmir." He further threatened increased militant activity in the region, claiming that Kashmir would be "free" by the said date. The event reportedly featured a large number of armed terrorists and was held under the patronage of Pakistani security forces.

Saifullah's ties with Pakistan

Two months ago, Saifullah also delivered an incendiary address at a battalion event in Kanganpur, Punjab (Pakistan), where he received a hero's welcome, with officers seen showering him with flowers. Saifullah's deep links with the Lashkar leadership, his inflammatory speeches, and his alleged coordination with Pakistani military elements reinforce growing concerns about state-backed terrorism targeting India. As per sources, security agencies continue to track his movements and operations as investigations into the Pahalgam attack intensify.

Pahalgam terror attack 

As many as 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed and more than a dozen others injured in the Pahalgam terror attack which occurred on Tuesday. This has been one of the biggest terror attacks after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. The government, however, has yet to officially confirm the number of casualties in the terror attack in Pahalgam. Following the terror attack, security forces launched search operations to track down the terrorists responsible. Security has been heightened since the attack, with visuals from the area showing the streets deserted in the usually bustling tourist area. Many organisations have also called for a Jammu bandh following the attack.