Pakistan Emerging as Safe Haven for Hamas: U.S. Report Raises Alarm, India on High Alert

A recent U.S.-based report has raised serious concerns about Pakistan, particularly Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), serving as a growing ideological and logistical base for the terrorist organization Hamas. The report warns that Pakistan’s permissive approach toward Hamas representatives undermines Western efforts against terrorism and raises questions about Islamabad’s commitment to combating extremist activities.

Hamas Establishing Footprint in Pakistan

According to the report by the Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI), while the global community focuses on dismantling Hamas’ military infrastructure in Gaza, Pakistan is emerging as a fertile ground for the group’s reorganization. This development poses significant security risks for Western countries and heightens India’s vigilance on the matter.

The report also highlighted that on January 15, 2026, the U.S.-led intergovernmental organization, the Board of Peace, was established with the goal of promoting stability in Gaza, restoring legitimate governance, and ensuring lasting peace. On January 18, U.S. President Donald Trump invited Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to participate in this initiative.

Pakistan Grants Open Freedom to Hamas Representatives

The report reveals that Pakistan allows Hamas representatives considerable freedom, enabling them to participate in public events and collaborate with local terrorist networks. Such actions, MEMRI warns, weaken Western diplomatic efforts to isolate Hamas and raise questions about whether Pakistan should continue to be regarded as a key non-NATO ally of the United States.

Frequent Visits by Hamas Leaders

Following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel, the political activities of Hamas leader Khaled Mashal’s special envoy, Nazi Zaheer, increased significantly in Pakistan. Zaheer has been actively mobilizing support and legitimacy for Hamas’ operations, attending rallies and conferences as a chief guest, and regularly appearing alongside figures associated with U.S.-designated terrorist groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed.

Tehran-Based Hamas Representative Also Active in Pakistan

The report also noted that Khaled Qaddumi, Hamas’ special envoy based in Tehran, has continued to participate in various rallies and events across Pakistan since October 2023. The presence of both Zaheer and Qaddumi signals Islamabad’s tacit support for Hamas’ agenda, raising serious concerns in Washington regarding Pakistan’s commitment to counterterrorism.

Hamas Expanding into PoK

Hamas’ influence has reportedly reached Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. During Kashmir Unity Day celebrations on February 5, 2025, multiple events were organized in PoK with the participation of the Pakistani military, government, and various terrorist organizations. These gatherings featured speeches by jihadi commanders and Hamas leaders, indicating that the group is steadily consolidating its presence within Pakistan’s political and security framework.

The report underscores that over the years, representatives of jihadi movements have met with several Pakistani diplomats, signaling that Hamas’ influence in Pakistan is growing steadily—a development that warrants close international attention.