Pakistan’s Double Standards Laid Bare: Hamas Finds Safe Haven as Gaza Funds Aid LeT, JeM

New Delhi- Pakistan’s duplicity on terrorism has come under sharp focus as intelligence inputs reveal that Hamas operatives have been regrouping on Pakistani soil, even as funds raised in the name of Gaza are being diverted to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).

Over the past 18 months, dozens of Hamas terrorists have reportedly visited Pakistan and participated in public events. Intelligence agencies say the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) has openly facilitated the Hamas leadership and ensured close coordination with cadres of LeT and JeM.

Following Israel’s sustained military offensive, Hamas has been significantly weakened. While the group retains the capability to carry out attacks, prolonged conflict has disrupted its operational strength. Attempts to regroup in and around Gaza have largely failed due to constant Israeli surveillance and strikes.

According to intelligence officials, Hamas subsequently approached the ISI for support and was provided space in Pakistan to reorganise. Training exercises are reportedly being conducted with the assistance of LeT and JeM, with fresh recruits being flown into the country. Officials noted that Hamas believes its camps in Pakistan are unlikely to be targeted by Israel, allowing it to function without immediate threat.

Indian agencies have flagged the presence of Hamas in Pakistan as a serious concern. While officials assess that Hamas may not directly target India, its collaboration with LeT and JeM—groups that pose a direct threat to Indian security—is troubling.

Intelligence sources further point out that Hamas possesses more advanced operational expertise compared to Pakistan-based terror outfits. During joint training sessions, Hamas cadres are believed to be sharing tactical knowledge, enhancing the capacity of LeT and JeM to carry out more sophisticated attacks.

This cooperation has also aided LeT and JeM, both of which are in a rebuilding phase after suffering heavy losses during Operation Sindoor by the Indian Armed Forces. JeM’s headquarters in Bahawalpur was destroyed, and it lost a large number of operatives. LeT, meanwhile, suffered a major setback with the destruction of its primary training facility at Muridke. The operation was launched in retaliation for the Pahalgam attack, in which LeT terrorists killed innocent civilians.

While Hamas has its own funding channels, intelligence officials allege that the ISI has exploited the group’s name to raise funds under the guise of humanitarian aid for Gaza. These funds, amounting to crores of rupees, have instead been diverted to rebuild infrastructure and facilities of LeT and JeM damaged during Indian military operations.

Pakistan watchers say these developments expose Islamabad’s double standards. Despite hosting and supporting Hamas, Pakistan has reportedly been invited by US President Donald Trump to join a US-led intergovernmental body, the Board of Peace, aimed at promoting stability and peace in Gaza.

Experts have criticised the move, arguing that Pakistan’s role in sheltering Hamas and facilitating its regrouping undermines any genuine effort to restore peace in the region.

With inputs from IANS