Hamas Leader’s Pakistan Visit Sparks Alarm Over LeT Nexus

Undated video shows senior commanders sharing stage in Gujranwala

January 7, 2026: Fresh concerns have emerged after an undated video revealed a meeting between senior Hamas commander Naji Zaheer and Lashkar-e-Taiba leader Rashid Ali Sandhu in Pakistan’s Gujranwala. The interaction reportedly took place during an event organised by the Pakistan Markazi Muslim League, widely regarded as the political front of LeT. Zaheer attended the gathering as chief guest while Sandhu was present as a PMML leader, pointing to growing engagement between the two US-designated terror outfits.

Zaheer has made multiple high-profile visits to Pakistan in recent years. He visited Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in February 2025 and addressed an anti-India rally alongside LeT and Jaish-e-Mohammed leaders. Earlier appearances included events in Karachi Islamabad Peshawar Quetta and meetings with Islamist leaders shortly after the October 7 2023 terror attack in Israel. These repeated engagements underline expanding Hamas outreach within Pakistan.

Security analysts say the developments highlight deeper coordination between Hamas-linked figures and Pakistan-based terror networks with alleged backing from the country’s deep state. The revelations come amid reports that the US expects Pakistan to contribute troops to a future international stabilisation force in Gaza under proposed reconstruction plans.