The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has officially confirmed the demise of Hafiz Abdul Salam Bhuttavi, a crucial planner of the notorious 26/11 Mumbai attacks. As the deputy to Hafiz Saeed and a founding member of Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT), Bhuttavi played a significant role in orchestrating the deadly terrorist assault that claimed the lives of more than 150 people.According to the UNSC announcement, Bhuttavi passed away due to cardiac arrest on May 29, 2023, while serving his sentence in a Pakistani jail located in Muridke city. Last year, LeTs front organisations released a video depicting Bhuttavis funeral, held at the terror groups markaz or center in Muridke.The UNSC also provided an update on Hafiz Saeed, the mastermind behind the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. Saeed is currently in the custody of Pakistan, serving a 78-year imprisonment sentence since February 12, 2020.Who Was Abdul Salam BhuttaviBhuttavi, as the deputy of Hafiz Saeed, assumed a pivotal role in the planning and execution of the Mumbai attacks. He served as the acting emir of LeT on multiple occasions when Saeed faced detainment. Bhuttavi was instrumental in preparing the operatives for the November 2008 assault, delivering lectures on the merits of martyrdom operations.Not only did Bhuttavi manage LeTs madrassa network, but he also served as a preeminent scholar, providing instruction to leaders and members while issuing fatwas authorizing operations. In 2002, he was tasked with establishing LeTs organisational base in Lahore.UNSC Designation and AllegationsIn 2012, the UNSC designated Bhuttavi as a terrorist for his association with al-Qaeda and his involvement in financing, planning, facilitating, preparing, or perpetrating acts or activities on behalf of LeT.Hafiz Abdul Salam Bhuttavi was listed on 14 March 2012 pursuant to paragraph 4 of resolution 1989 (2011) as being associated with Al-Qaida for participating in the financing, planning, facilitating, preparing, or perpetrating of acts or activities by, in conjunction with, under the name of, on behalf of, or in support of or otherwise supporting acts and activities of Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (QDe.118), stated the UNSC.Following Hafiz Saeeds arrest, Bhuttavi assumed the responsibility of managing the day-to-day functions of the group, making independent decisions.
