Even as Pakistan positions itself as a mediator in the West Asia conflict, a recent US Congressional Research Service (CRS) report flags the continued presence of multiple terror groups operating from
its soil, including several targeting India.
The report states that despite counter-terror measures such as the 2014 National Action Plan, at least 15 major groups remain active across categories, many of them designated as Foreign Terrorist Organisations (FTOs) under US law. Several of these outfits are focused on India and Jammu and Kashmir, with active cadres and cross-border networks.
Here is a breakdown of the key groups:
Globally Oriented Militants
Al Qaeda (AQ)
Founded in 1988 by Osama bin Laden, Al Qaeda has been significantly weakened but continues to maintain links with Pakistan-based terror networks.
Al Qaeda In The Indian Subcontinent (AQIS)
Formed in 2014, AQIS operates with a small cadre and has been involved in attacks in Pakistan, including a failed naval hijacking attempt.
Islamic State-Khorasan Province (ISKP)
An ISIS affiliate active since 2015, ISKP operates across Afghanistan and Pakistan with thousands of fighters, many drawn from former militant groups.
Afghanistan-Oriented Militants
Afghan Taliban
Active since the 1990s, the Taliban leadership historically operated out of Pakistan and regained power in Afghanistan in 2021.
Haqqani Network (HQN)
A powerful militant network with a strong cross-border presence, HQN is closely linked to the Taliban and has been involved in multiple attacks in Afghanistan.
India- And Kashmir-Oriented Militants
Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT)
One of the most prominent India-focused groups, LeT was behind the 2008 Mumbai attacks and continues to operate under different names.
Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM)
Founded by Masood Azhar, JeM was involved in the 2001 Parliament attack and remains active with networks across India, Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Harakat-ul Jihad Islami (HUJI)
Initially formed to fight Soviet forces, HUJI later shifted focus to India and operates across multiple South Asian countries.
Harakat-ul-Mujahidin (HUM)
Active in Kashmir, HUM was involved in the 1999 IC-814 hijacking and has since seen many members join other groups like JeM.
Hizbul Mujahideen (HM)
One of the oldest Kashmir-focused groups, HM has a significant cadre largely made up of local recruits and seeks Kashmir’s separation or merger with Pakistan.
Domestically Oriented Militants
Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP)
Pakistan’s most lethal militant group, TTP has carried out multiple large-scale attacks and maintains links with global terror networks.
Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA)
A separatist outfit operating in Balochistan, the BLA targets infrastructure and foreign investments, including Chinese projects.
Jaysh al-Adl
An ethnic Baloch militant group operating from Pakistan’s border regions, primarily targeting Iran but part of the broader militant ecosystem.
Sectarian (Anti-Shia) Militants
Sipah-e-Sahaba Pakistan (SSP)
An anti-Shia group formed in the 1980s, SSP has been largely dormant in recent years but remains part of the network.
Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ)
An offshoot of SSP, LeJ operates across Pakistan and Afghanistan and has ties with groups like Al Qaeda and TTP.
India-centric outfits such as Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed and Hizbul Mujahideen remain active, with operational strength and long-standing objectives centred on Kashmir.
The findings highlight persistent gaps in dismantling terror networks, even as many of these organisations remain under international sanctions.
