December 27, Lahore: Hafiz Abdul Rahman Makki, a key figure linked to the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks and the deputy chief of the banned Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD), passed away early Friday morning in Lahore. Makki, who had been suffering from severe diabetes, died of a cardiac arrest while undergoing treatment at a private hospital, sources confirmed.
Makki, the brother-in-law of Hafiz Saeed, the founder of JuD and the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), had maintained a low profile in recent years. His death comes amid a series of health issues that had plagued him, necessitating regular medical treatment.
In 2020, an anti-terrorism court sentenced Makki to six months in prison for his involvement in terror financing. Following this, he receded from the public eye and largely avoided any high-profile activities. His global reputation took a further hit in January 2023, when the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) designated him a global terrorist. This designation imposed strict sanctions, including an assets freeze, travel ban, and arms embargo.
Makki had long been accused of playing a pivotal role in fundraising and supporting militant operations under the guise of JuD’s charitable activities. His alleged links to militant groups and involvement in terror financing earned him international scrutiny and condemnation.
As a central figure in Pakistan’s militant ecosystem, Makki’s death marks the end of a controversial chapter in the region’s history of terrorism. However, his demise also raises questions about the lingering networks and ideologies he represented. The global community will be watching closely for any shifts in the dynamics of extremist groups in the region following his passing.
