Pakistan is reportedly becoming a new hub for Hamas as Israel and US continue to demiltarise the terrorist group, according to a new US report. According to the Middle East Forum, Hamas is expanding its influence in the country and is emerging as a fertile place for group operatives to regroup and strengthen their networks.
Hamas Representative Naji Zaheer Active in Pakistan
Since the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel, Naji Zaheer, Hamas’s special representative in Pakistan, has been appearing at rallies and conferences as a guest of honour. He has shared platforms with Pakistan-based US-designated terror groups, including Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Muhammad. The report suggests that Zaheer’s visibility shows “Islamabad’s apparent tolerance, if not endorsement, of Hamas’s agenda.”
Anna Mahjar-Barducci, Project Director at the Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI), wrote in the Middle East Forum, “Zaheer’s footprint in Pakistan has expanded dramatically since October 2023, transforming him into a fixture at high-profile events that blend pro-Palestine rhetoric with jihadist networking. Living in the country as a Hamas special representative, Zaheer has addressed rallies and received accolades from professional bodies.”
Also Read: Israel Gaza Ceasefire Renewed After Recent Strikes, Donald Trump Calls For Peace With Hamas
Pro-Palestine Rallies and Conferences in Pakistan
Just one week after the attacks against Israeli civilians, Zaheer addressed a pro-Palestine rally in Peshawar, virtually attended by Hamas leader Khaled Mashal. Media reports cited Mashal expressing appreciation for Pakistan’s support for the Palestinian people.
On November 2, Zaheer participated virtually in the twelve-day “Toofan-e-Aqsa” conference in Karachi, organised by Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman. During the event, then-Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh stated, “I address the entire Muslim Ummah. This war is not just for Palestine; it is for the entire Ummah.”
‘Death to Israel’ Conference in Peshawar, Pakistan
In January 2024, Zaheer visited the Karachi Press Club, criticising Israel and urging Pakistani journalists to increase anti-Israel coverage. Later in 2024, he attended the “Death to Israel” conference in Peshawar, organised by JUI-F. In parallel, Hamas envoy in Tehran, Khaled Qaddoumi, has reinforced the group’s messaging through media briefings and events at Pakistani institutions.
The Middle East Forum report noted, “Pakistan has emerged as a new ground for Hamas operatives. This challenges Islamabad’s credentials as a reliable partner in the global fight against terrorism – and raises questions about its status as a US Major Non-NATO ally.”
The report comes just days after police in Pakistan clashed with thousands of pro-Palestinian protestors. According to reports 5 protestors were killed while injuring hundreds.
The pro-Palestinian protest was organized by Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan, or TLP whose leader Saad Rizvi was also injured in the rally.
Zubair Amin is a Senior Journalist at NewsX with over seven years of experience in reporting and editorial work. He has written for leading national and international publications, including Foreign Policy Magazine, Al Jazeera, The Economic Times, The Indian Express, The Wire, Article 14, Mongabay, News9, among others. His primary focus is on international affairs, with a strong interest in US politics and policy. He also writes on West Asia, Indian polity, and constitutional issues. Zubair tweets at zubaiyr.amin
