Pakistan’s al-Khidmat Foundation presents itself as a benevolent charity, a humanitarian force in times of disaster. But behind this façade of philanthropy lies an undeniable truth: al-Khidmat is the financial arm of Jamaat-i-Islami (JI), Pakistan’s radical Islamist movement with a long history of supporting violence and jihad. Under the guise of welfare, it has served as a conduit for terrorist funding, exploiting charitable networks in the West to bankroll extremism.
Financing Global Jihad
Al-Khidmat’s involvement in financing terrorism is neither speculative nor recent. In 2006, its leadership proudly handed over a cheque to Khaled Mashal, then the head of Hamas, an organisation designated as a terrorist entity by multiple governments, including the UK and the US. The funds, al-Khidmat officials claimed, were for the “liberation of Palestine,” a euphemism for Hamas’s violent insurgency against Israel. It was an overt display of support for a group that has consistently targeted civilians through suicide bombings and rocket attacks.
Yet this was no isolated incident. Al-Khidmat and its parent organisation, Jamaat-i-Islami, have a long history of funding radical movements. Over the years, they have used their vast charity networks to divert money into the hands of militants operating across South Asia and the Middle East.
Exploiting Western Charities
Al-Khidmat’s financial reach extends far beyond Pakistan. Previously, it leveraged UK-based charities like Muslim Aid to collect funds under the pretence of humanitarian relief, only for these donations to find their way to extremist causes. The infiltration of legitimate charitable institutions allowed them to siphon off millions, funnelling resources into terror networks with impunity.
With increased scrutiny of Muslim Aid and other such groups, al-Khidmat has adapted. Its latest strategy involves the establishment of ‘Aghosh’ charities across North America and Europe, particularly in Canada, the United States, and Germany. These entities, marketed as orphan support organisations, operate under the radar of Western regulators while maintaining direct links to Jamaat-i-Islami’s radical agenda in Pakistan. The model remains the same: emotional appeals for aid, glossy brochures showcasing relief work, and the quiet transfer of funds to militant causes.
Jamaat-i-Islami: A Legacy of Extremism
To understand al-Khidmat, one must examine its ideological master, Jamaat-i-Islami. Founded by Abul A’la Mawdudi, the movement has long championed Islamist supremacy, advocating for a theocratic state governed by Sharia law. In Pakistan, JI’s militant offshoots have fought alongside the Taliban, while its political wing has sought to legitimise extremist ideologies under the cover of democracy.
The group played an infamous role during Bangladesh’s Liberation War in 1971, actively collaborating with the Pakistani military in the mass killing of civilians. Even today, Jamaat-i-Islami in Bangladesh remains outlawed due to its involvement in war crimes, while its Pakistani counterpart continues to operate freely, using al-Khidmat as a financial vehicle for jihad.
Deepening Ties with Iran and Hamas
Jamaat-i-Islami’s international ambitions are further evidenced by its engagement with Iran and Hamas. In Tehran, JI chief Sirajul Haq met with Dr. Khaled Al-Qaddumi, a Hamas leader based in Iran, and assured him of complete support and aid from the Pakistani public. Haq also held meetings with Ayatollah Shahryari and Ayatollah Rahimian from Iran’s Defense Ministry. According to a report in the Urdu daily Roznama Dunya, Haq called for a conference of the OIC on Gaza and stated on November 5: "Muslim rulers should announce a collective jihad against Israel in view of the barbarism in Gaza" and "The silence of Pakistan and Muslim rulers on the Palestinian issue is due to the fear of America. American aid is tantamount to issuing a license to Israel for massacre."
These statements underline JI’s broader jihadist objectives, aligning with Iranian proxies and Hamas in a bid to consolidate its role in the global Islamist movement. The rhetoric of collective jihad, paired with the financial mechanisms of al-Khidmat, underscores the imminent threat posed by Jamaat-i-Islami’s extensive network.
Links to Al-Qaeda and Global Terrorism
Jamaat-i-Islami’s extremist affiliations extend beyond Hamas and Iran. Several Jamaat leaders in Pakistan have direct linkages to al-Qaeda operatives, including Khaled Sheikh Mohammed (KSM), the mastermind behind the 9/11 attacks. KSM, a key figure in al-Qaeda’s financial operations, also used charities to fund terrorist activities, further demonstrating how Islamist groups exploit humanitarian networks for violent ends.
Additionally, Jamaat’s charity networks were instrumental in financing the Bali bombers, who carried out the devastating attacks in Indonesia in 2002. These connections highlight the global reach of Jamaat-i-Islami’s funding mechanisms, underscoring the urgent need for increased scrutiny and regulation of their affiliated organisations.
Al-Khidmat, Aghosh, and US-based Fundraising
Aghosh USA, one of al-Khidmat’s latest financial vehicles, has emerged as a significant player in channelling funds from North America to Pakistan. Promotional material from Aghosh USA has featured Jamaat-i-Islami leader Sirajul Haq, who has run televised fundraising campaigns on behalf of the charity. These telethons explicitly call for financial support from Western donors, only for the funds to be directed towards Jamaat’s broader extremist agenda.
The concerning question remains: why have US agencies failed to act? The unchecked flow of money from Aghosh USA and other similar fronts to radical movements in Pakistan demands urgent regulatory intervention.
Jamaat Pakistan leader, Sirajul ul Haq raising money for Aghosh USA
US Attorney General Pam Bondi’s Investigation into Hamas
Recent developments suggest that scrutiny on Hamas and its financial backers may be increasing. US Attorney General Pam Bondi, appointed by President Trump as the nation’s top law enforcement officer, has launched an investigation into Hamas’s funding streams, which could expose how groups like al-Khidmat and its Western affiliates provide financial support to terrorist organisations. If this inquiry delves into the operations of Aghosh USA and similar charities, it may finally prompt decisive action to cut off Jamaat-i-Islami’s financial network from Western donors.
The Urgency of Regulatory Action
The expansion of al-Khidmat-linked charities into North America and Europe poses a clear and present danger. Western governments must urgently investigate the financial flows from ‘Aghosh’ charities and similar fronts, ensuring they are not facilitating terrorist financing. The failure to act will allow al-Khidmat to continue exploiting the goodwill of unsuspecting donors while emboldening Pakistan’s radical Islamist networks. Jamaat’s close relationship with the Iranian regime could make them an active threat too.
Charity should be a force for good, not a cover for extremism. The West must wake up to the reality of al-Khidmat’s operations before its so-called humanitarian work results in further bloodshed. The US must work with its partners in Europe to shut down Jamaat’s charity fronts. They are a real and present danger.
Jamaat financing Hamas’ jihad (2006)
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