Former Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Akhtar has found himself at the centre of a controversy after several individuals allegedly affiliated with the banned terrorist outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) were seen attending the funeral of his elder brother, Shahid Akhtar, in Islamabad.
According to a video reviewed by India TV Digital, multiple members of the Pakistan Markazi Muslim League (PMML)—an organisation widely regarded as an offshoot of the banned Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD)—were present during the funeral prayers. However, India TV Digital stated that it could not independently verify the authenticity of the footage.
Sources familiar with the matter claimed that the video was released either by Lashkar-e-Taiba or the PMML. Among those identified in the footage were PMML's Islamabad chief Inam-ur-Rehman Kamboh, along with members Abdullah Toor, Hafiz Umar and Amjad Bhatti. Also reportedly present was Talha Saeed, the son of Lashkar founder Hafiz Saeed and a prominent PMML member.
The reported presence of these individuals has once again drawn attention to Pakistan's alleged links with proscribed terrorist organisations. The development is being viewed as another instance reinforcing longstanding concerns over the visibility and activities of terror-linked figures within the country.
This is not the first time Talha Saeed has appeared publicly alongside influential figures. In April this year, he was seen sharing a stage with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's Special Assistant Rana Sanaullah, with the two engaging in a lengthy interaction. The appearance had also triggered criticism and renewed questions over Pakistan's handling of extremist elements.
India has consistently accused Pakistan of providing safe havens, logistical support and protection to terrorist organisations targeting India. New Delhi has repeatedly urged international bodies, including the United Nations, to take stronger action against Islamabad over its alleged failure to dismantle terror infrastructure operating from its soil.
These concerns were echoed in a report released by the US Congressional Research Service (CRS) on March 25. The report stated that Pakistan had failed to take "sufficient action to stop certain terrorist groups and individuals from openly operating in the country," reiterating concerns that the country continues to serve as a safe haven for militants, particularly those involved in anti-India activities.
Meanwhile, Shahid Akhtar, the elder brother of Shoaib Akhtar, passed away earlier this week. The former Pakistan fast bowler announced the news through a post on X but did not disclose the cause of death.
"I'm very saddened to share that my beloved older brother, Shahid Akhtar, has returned to Allah Subhana wa Taala. Namaz-e-Janaza time and place will be informed in the morning," Shoaib wrote.
Neither Shoaib Akhtar nor his representatives have publicly commented on the reports regarding the alleged presence of PMML or LeT-linked individuals at the funeral.
Leave Your Comment