23 hrs ago
Pakistan Lists 26/11 Operatives, Omits Key Masterminds
Pakistan has published a list of people it says are wanted for helping with the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
The attacks killed 166 people.
The list names 19 members or alleged members of Lashkar-e-Taiba.
Some are accused of arranging boats, while others allegedly provided money or communication equipment.
However, the list does not include Hafiz Saeed or Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi, whom Indian officials identify as important planners.
Pakistan’s agency says the listed people have been missing for 18 years.
Indian officials say this is not believable and claim the suspects are still living freely in Pakistan.
They also say Pakistan released the list to look better before an international financial-monitoring meeting.
The list has grown to 1,804 names from 1,330 in its 2021 edition.
Pakistan’s 2026 Red Book lists 19 Lashkar-e-Taiba operatives linked to the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
The listed suspects allegedly helped transport the attackers by sea or financed their communications and operations.
Hafiz Saeed and Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi are absent from the list despite being identified by Indian officials as key plotters.
Indian officials call the listing a cosmetic measure designed to influence the Financial Action Task Force.
The Red Book says the suspects have been fugitives for 18 years, while Indian officials say many remain freely in Pakistan.
- Who
- Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency, 19 listed Lashkar-e-Taiba operatives, and Indian security officials are central to the report.
- What
- Pakistan’s 2026 Red Book lists 19 people linked to the 2008 Mumbai attacks but omits Hafiz Saeed and Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi.
- Where
- The attack was launched from Pakistan and carried out in Mumbai, India; the Red Book was issued by Pakistan.
- When
- The Red Book was released in 2026; the attacks occurred in 2008, and the report says the suspects have been wanted for 18 years.
- Why
- Pakistan says the individuals are wanted fugitives, while Indian officials allege the listing is a selective, cosmetic measure connected to the upcoming Financial Action Task Force meeting.
Indian Officials’ View
Pakistan’s Stated Position
Meaning of the listing
Indian Officials’ View
Indian security officials say the list is a cosmetic charade that acknowledges Pakistan-based links to the attack while shielding key figures such as Hafiz Saeed and Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi.
Pakistan’s Stated Position
Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency lists 19 alleged operatives and identifies them as wanted fugitives.
Where the suspects are
Indian Officials’ View
Indian officials say the listed individuals continue to live freely in Pakistan and that Pakistan has received dossiers identifying their locations.
Pakistan’s Stated Position
The FIA says the accused have been on the run for 18 years.
Timing and purpose
Indian Officials’ View
Indian officials allege the listing was timed to mislead the international community and influence the Financial Action Task Force before its Paris plenary.
Pakistan’s Stated Position
The Red Book was released with expanded entries and an increased bounty for Masood Azhar, actions presented as part of Pakistan’s wanted-person measures.
Key facts
- Attacks
- The 2008 Mumbai attacks killed 166 people.
- Listed suspects
- The 2026 Red Book names 19 Lashkar-e-Taiba operatives linked to the attacks.
- Omitted figures
- Hafiz Saeed and Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi are not included in the 2026 listing.
- Sea-route facilitators
- Eleven listed operatives allegedly arranged the boats and logistics used to transport the attackers.
- Financiers
- Six listed individuals allegedly financed the operation, including payments for a VoIP line and other expenses.
- Red Book expansion
- The list grew from 1,330 names in 2021 to 1,804 names in 2026.
- Additional bounty
- The bounty on Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar was increased to Rs 70 lakh.
Quotes
Senior security force officer
An unnamed senior officer of an Indian security force.
“India has already handed over detailed dossiers pinpointing their whereabouts. By claiming ignorance, Pakistan is merely trying to shrug off its responsibility and mislead the FATF and the international community”
NDTV
“Hafiz Sayed and Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi are important assets of Pak spy Agency ISI and continue to enjoy security cover provided by them”
NDTV







