In a disturbing revelation that raises concerns about Pakistan’s political nexus with terror outfits, Saifullah Kasuri, the alleged mastermind behind the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, was seen sharing the stage with prominent Pakistani politicians at a rally held in Punjab province. The event, organised by the Pakistan Markazi Muslim League (PMML), featured Malik Ahmad Khan, a known political figure, standing alongside Kasuri, who is also the deputy chief of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).

Rally Attendees Include Talha Saeed, Son of Hafiz Saeed

Adding to the controversy, Talha Saeed, the son of UN-designated global terrorist Hafiz Saeed, was also reportedly present at the same rally. Both Saifullah and Talha were seen addressing the crowd, with Kasuri even raising anti-India and jihadist slogans, according to multiple media reports, including India Today and Hindustan Times.

In videos circulating online, Kasuri is seen glorifying terrorists who were killed during India’s retaliatory Operation Sindoor, referring to them as "martyrs." He stated, “I was blamed as being the mastermind of the Pahalgam terror attack, now my name is famous in the entire world.” His open admission and pride in terrorist acts have fueled international condemnation and Indian outrage.

Who is Saifullah Kasuri?

Kasuri is reported to be the deputy chief of the LeT, a group responsible for numerous terrorist acts in India. He is also known to be a close associate of Hafiz Saeed, LeT’s founder. According to a report by News18, Kasuri had traveled to Kanganpur in Pakistan’s Punjab province two months before the Pahalgam attack—a location where Pakistani army battalions are often stationed.

It is believed that he planned and coordinated the attack from there, leveraging local logistical support. The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of LeT, claimed responsibility for the April 22 attack but later withdrew the claim. The assault resulted in the deaths of 26 people, and was one of the deadliest terror attacks in recent times in Kashmir.

Kasuri is also infamous for delivering inflammatory jihadist speeches and is seen as an asset of the Pakistani Army, who allegedly shields him and his activities from any scrutiny. His appearance at a public rally alongside politicians further raises questions about state sponsorship and open legitimisation of terrorism in Pakistan.

Operation Sindoor: India’s Retaliation

In response to the Pahalgam carnage, India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting terrorist hideouts across nine different locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The operation was seen as a massive strategic retaliation, backed by credible intelligence, to eliminate the core planning cells of the LeT and TRF.

The Indian forces successfully neutralised multiple terrorist operatives, which has been hailed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh as a significant achievement in counter-terrorism operations. Singh further reiterated that no act of terrorism will go unanswered, especially when it targets innocent Indian lives.

International and Domestic Implications

The presence of terror leaders at political rallies in Pakistan could potentially sour diplomatic relations even further between India and Pakistan. With India pushing for global isolation of state-sponsored terror networks, these events only strengthen its case before international forums like the United Nations and FATF (Financial Action Task Force).

The issue is also expected to resonate strongly in Indian domestic politics, especially as Operation Sindoor is being viewed as a decisive military action. There is also a growing call for tightening surveillance and further international pressure on Pakistan to sever ties with terrorist organisations and individuals like Saifullah Kasuri and Talha Saeed.

Kasuri's Propaganda: A Cause for Global Concern

The speech delivered by Kasuri at the rally was not only filled with anti-India rhetoric but also contained calls for martyrdom and jihad, which could incite more radicalisation of youth across the border. His public glorification of terrorism and the lack of governmental action against him underscore the challenges in combating state-enabled extremism.

Such public events provide terrorists with a platform to spread hate and recruit followers, which is a violation of international norms and human rights laws. The fact that Pakistani politicians are not only present but also actively sharing stage space with such individuals highlights a systemic issue that goes beyond isolated incidents.

Calls for International Action

Experts believe that India will once again raise the issue at the United Nations, seeking sanctions and travel bans on individuals like Kasuri, along with blacklisting any political party seen associating with terror groups. This also brings renewed attention to Pakistan’s position on the grey list of FATF, and why it continues to evade strict financial and political penalties.

India may also push for renewed investigations and intelligence-sharing among its allies, particularly the US, France, and the UK, who have already designated LeT and Hafiz Saeed as global terrorists.

Conclusion

The presence of LeT commander Saifullah Kasuri at a Pakistani rally, alongside politicians and the son of Hafiz Saeed, reaffirms long-standing concerns about state-political-terror nexus in Pakistan. With the Indian government continuing its firm stance through military operations like Operation Sindoor, the international community’s attention is once again turning toward Pakistan’s handling—or rather, harboring—of extremist elements.

This incident serves as a grim reminder of how terrorism is often nurtured in plain sight, under political protection, and why consistent global pressure is necessary to tackle the root causes and networks of such threats.

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