Hafiz Saeed’s Lahore Rally Postponed Amid ISI Intervention, TTP Threats

International

oi-Gaurav Sharma

Published: Saturday, November 1, 2025, 18:32 [IST]

A major Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) rally planned at Lahore's Minar-e-Pakistan has been abruptly called off, dealing a blow to the banned group's efforts to project power publicly. The event, scheduled for November 2 and led by LeT chief Hafiz Saeed, was expected to mark his high-profile return to the public stage after years of relative silence.

However, sources within Pakistan confirmed that the rally has been postponed indefinitely. A video circulating online showed a LeT member informing followers that "Ameer-e-Mohtaram"-a title used for Hafiz Saeed-had personally decided to delay the gathering, triggering confusion and frustration among supporters.

Behind the scenes, intelligence sources suggest that Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) advised the group to halt the event due to credible threats from Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which has intensified attacks in recent weeks. Security agencies reportedly feared a potential clash or attack during the rally.

The gathering was also meant to commemorate LeT militants killed in "Operation Sindoor." Posters of so-called "martyrs" were already visible at the venue before the abrupt cancellation. Insiders claim internal friction between LeT's leadership and the ISI may have also influenced the decision, hinting at growing unease within Pakistan's militant ecosystem.

The cancellation comes as Islamabad faces renewed global scrutiny over its handling of extremist groups and terror financing. Analysts say how Hafiz Saeed and LeT navigate this disruption could determine the future of one of South Asia's most notorious terrorist networks.