Lashkar-e-Taiba's Expanding Network: How Pakistan's Terror Group Is Building a Social Empire

LeT's sophisticated expansion combines political influence with grassroots ideological indoctrination.

New Delhi:

Pakistan-based terrorist organization Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), responsible for the 2008 Mumbai attacks, is rapidly expanding its network across Pakistan. According to recent footage featuring Hafiz Saeed's son Talha, the group has established dedicated organizations targeting various demographic segments including students, youth, women, teachers, and laborers.

Political Facade and Social Integration

LeT operates through its political front, Pakistan Markazi Muslim League (PMML), to evade international scrutiny. The organizational structure appears deliberately ambiguous, with affiliated groups avoiding direct association with PMML or LeT. Despite this superficial separation, senior LeT leaders regularly participate in their events.

A review of social media activity indicates most of these affiliate organizations emerged in 2023.

NDTV's investigation into PMML's social media presence and its affiliates – Muslim Student League, Muslim Youth League, Muslim Women League, Muslim Girls League, and Muslim Kids – reveals LeT's systematic approach to establishing grassroots influence.

Dr. Smruti Pattnaik, research fellow at Delhi's Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses, warns: "LeT's growing footprint in Pakistan represents a significant security concern for India. Their expanded recruitment capabilities could translate to increased terrorist activities."

The Mumbai terror attacks of 2008 remain LeT's most devastating operation in India.

Functions of LeT Affiliates

LeT employs a dual strategy of political engagement and ideological conditioning. The organization conducts various welfare initiatives including flood relief operations, Quran recitation programs, first-aid training, environmental awareness campaigns, and Islamic lectures, creating a benevolent public image while systematically indoctrinating communities.

Its student and children's divisions operate at multiple levels – from city-wide initiatives down to college campuses and neighborhoods – ensuring continuous recruitment of future operatives.

Photo Credit: Children undergoing basic physical training at a Hyderabad, Pakistan farmhouse in June 2022. Credit: Facebook/Muslim Kids Hyderabad

PMML, widely acknowledged as LeT's political extension, is officially led by Talha Saeed, LeT's deputy emir, who serves as vice president. Numerous PMML officials, including Talha, Saifullah Khalid, Hafiz Abdul Rauf, Faisal Nadeem, Fayyaz Ahmad, Muzmail Iqbal, Muhammad Harris Dar, and Qari Muhammad Yaqoob, have been designated terrorists by the United States, India, and other nations.

While PMML participated unsuccessfully in Pakistan's 2024 general elections, its leadership continues coordinating the expansion of affiliated organizations.

Muslim Student League (MSL)

As LeT's second most influential branch, MSL operates extensively across universities in Punjab, Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces. MSL propagates LeT's Salafi jihadism ideology through various educational sessions, presented as intellectual development opportunities while subtly integrating religious and nationalist narratives. Its activities encompass:

Ideological indoctrination through campus study circles and spiritual retreats.

Community engagement via seminars on personal development, medical training, and blood donation drives.

Public outreach through environmental awareness campaigns and disaster relief efforts.

Photographic evidence suggests MSL is developing a disciplined organizational structure mirroring LeT's operational methodology.

Internationally designated terrorists frequently appear at Muslim Students League events, though the organization avoids publicly identifying as PMML's student division.

Muslim Youth League

This organization focuses on post-college young adults through sporting events, health initiatives, and informal gatherings that combine social interaction with Islamic messaging.

Muslim Kids

Established in 2023, this division targets children under age 10 through recreational activities, excursions, Quranic studies, and storytelling sessions. The organization has developed educational materials including books and mobile applications that present Islamic principles in child-friendly formats.

Muslim Kids maintains a presence across numerous cities in Punjab, Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, emphasizing emotional connection with children through outdoor activities, competitions, excursions, and complimentary meals.

Concerningly, US-designated terrorists have addressed their events, focusing on religious indoctrination and character development. Last year, three US-designated terrorists – Hafiz Abdul Rauf, Muhammad Haris Dar, and Muzmail Iqbal – conducted training sessions for minors at a Lahore event. Rauf's presentation centered on "invitation towards Allah," while Iqbal and Dar instructed children on "challenge handling" and "time management."

Strategic Implications

LeT's fundamental objective remains unchanged: incorporating Kashmir into Pakistan and destabilizing India through jihad. The organization has executed approximately 250 terrorist attacks within India, resulting in over 1,000 casualties across Delhi, Maharashtra, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir.

With established connections to Pakistan's military establishment and a disciplined membership, LeT's deeper societal integration potentially makes it more resilient against counterterrorism efforts and increasingly threatening to Indian security.