Despite sustained international pressure and multiple terror attacks—Mumbai 26/11, Pulwama, Uri, and the recent Pahalgam massacre—seven notorious terrorists reportedly remain free in Pakistan. Known in Indian security circles as the “Dirty 7,” these terror masters include Hafiz Saeed, Masood Azhar, Zaki‑ur‑Rehman Lakhvi, Dawood Ibrahim, Syed Salahuddin, and the Bhatkal brothers - Iqbal and Riyaz - who are believed to be openly operating under protection in Pakistan, often with backing from its military and ISI.

India has repeatedly flagged these figures at global forums, submitting detailed dossiers to the UN, FATF, Interpol, and bilateral partners. Yet Islamabad continues to deny harbouring active terrorists, with officials like Defence Minister Khwaja Asif attributing past support to U.S. Cold War alliances .

This stand-off intensifies scrutiny on Pakistan’s complicity in fostering terror ecosystems. Following Operation Sindoor, India targeted nine terror camps inside Pakistan linked to groups like LeT, JeM, and Hizbul Mujahideen - highlighting that state actors still shield terror figures despite global condemnation. 

As India leads global efforts against terrorism, the continued presence of the Dirty 7 in Pakistan underscores a growing credibility gap—one that challenges counter-terror cooperation and global security norms.