Latest news with #Kasuri
Hindustan Times
03-06-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Pak's Punjab Speaker backs Saifullah Kasuri, a key Lashkar terrorist involved in Pahalgam attack
Malik Ahmed Khan, the Speaker of Pakistan's Punjab Assembly, has come under scrutiny after publicly defending Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) deputy chief Saifullah Kasuri — a key terrorist allegedly involved in the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir that killed 26 people. In a video circulating on social media, Malik Ahmed Khan defended Kasuri during a rally, dismissing allegations against him by insisting he should not be treated as an accused "without an investigation." Earlier, on May 28, Khan was seen seated in the front row at a public programme in Kasur, Punjab, alongside Saifullah Khalid — considered a mastermind of the Pahalgam attack — and Talha Saeed, son of UN-sanctioned terrorist Hafiz Saeed and de facto head of LeT. Both Khalid and Talha are listed as global terrorists, with Khalid being officially designated by the US. The rally, organised by the Pakistan Markazi Muslim League (PMML) to mark Youm-e-Takbeer, also featured senior leaders, including food minister Malik Rasheed Ahmad Khan and close associates of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and PML-N leader Maryam Nawaz. The LeT-linked figures, including Saeed, Kasuri, and Amir Hamza, were seen prominently seated and interacting with political leaders. In the video shared on X, Malik Ahmed Khan also mentioned his personal ties to Kasur — the town where the rally took place — further deepening the controversy. The presence of top LeT operatives at the rally attracted attention from foreign policy observers, especially after some of them boasted publicly about having avenged Pakistan's 1971 defeat to India. US-designated terrorists Saifullah Kasuri and Muzammil Hashmi claimed credit for their involvement in a so-called "coup" in Bangladesh while addressing supporters at rallies held last week. "We emerged victorious against you in Bangladesh last year," they declared. Prime Minister Narendra Modi became the target of their vitriol during a rally organised by the Lashkar-e-Taiba's political front, the Pakistan Markazi Muslim League (PMML), in Gujranwala on May 28. Hashmi was heard proclaiming: 'Tum hamein apni goli se darate ho, Modi hum tujhe paigham dete hain, humare bachche teri missailon se nahi dare, hum teri goli se kya darenge.' (You try to scare us with your bullets, Modi, but we send you a message — our children are not afraid of your missiles, why would we fear your bullets?) At another rally in Rahim Yar Khan, Kasuri drew historical parallels with the 1971 Bangladesh war, claiming that his outfit had avenged Pakistan's defeat. "I was four years old when Pakistan was dismembered in 1971. The then Indian PM Indira Gandhi had declared that she had drowned the two-nation theory in the khaleej (Bay of Bengal). On May 10, we took the revenge of 1971," he told supporters. Kasuri also spoke of the Indian airstrikes on Muridke that killed fellow terrorist Mudassar, expressing emotional pain over being prevented from attending his funeral. "I was not allowed to attend his funeral. On the day of his funeral, I cried a lot," he said. Several Pakistani ministers were seen at the same events, where they shared the stage with LeT operatives. They were seen greeting and interacting with them at the rally in Kasur. Kasuri, believed to be the key planner behind the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, made a surprise appearance at the PMML gathering. The Indian government has linked the attack to LeT's proxy outfit, The Resistance Front (TRF). While addressing the crowd, Kasuri not only raised anti-India slogans but also referred to slain terrorists killed in India's Operation Sindoor as 'martyrs.' "India labelled me the mastermind of the Pahalgam terror attack while I was busy taking part in events and people's happiness took the name 'Kasur', 'Kasuri', so many times that now the entire world knows me as famous," he said at the rally. could not independently verify the authenticity of these videos. Reports suggest Kasuri has been given refuge by Pakistan's intelligence agency, the ISI, in Bahawalpur.
NDTV
03-06-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
Pak Politician Backs Pahalgam Mastermind, Shares Stage With LeT Chief's Son
Islamabad: In what could be seen as yet another evidence of Islamabad fostering terrorism on its land, a prominent Pakistani politician was seen sharing the stage with the leadership of UN-proscribed terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). The incident happened in Pakistan's Punjab province, where the state's assembly speaker, Malik Muhammad Ahmed Khan, was spotted attending a rally with LeT deputy chief Saifullah Ahmad and Talha Saeed, son of LeT chief and 26/11 Mumbai attacks mastermind Hafiz Saeed. Saifullah Khalid, also known as "Kasuri," is one of the masterminds of the recent terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam and a US-designated terrorist. Meanwhile, Talha Saeed is the de facto head of the terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba. When asked about his presence at the rally, the Speaker of the Punjab Assembly told reporters that LeT deputy chief Kasuri "should not be seen as an accused in the Pahalgam terror attack case without an investigation." 📍 #Exclusive 🇵🇰👹 Pakistan Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Ahmed Khan defends Pahalgam mastermind Saifullah Kasuri and accuses India of being responsible for the Pahalgam terrorist attack Note : On May -28, Pak politician Malik Ahmed Khan shared the stage with Talha Saeed,… — OsintTV 📺 (@OsintTV) June 1, 2025 "It was a political rally, and politicians from all walks of life were present there. Because I have a personal connection with the place (Kasur--the town where the May 28 rally took place), organisers also called me and I went," he said. Khan, a high-profile political figure in Pakistan, came under scrutiny after several video clips from the rally held on Wednesday (May 28) emerged on social media. In one of the footage, Talha Saeed was seen welcoming Malik Ahmad Khan on stage with other politicians. Another clip showed Kasuri calling India an enemy state ("dushman") and claimed he was "wrongfully" accused as the mastermind of the Pahalgam terror attack. He boasted of becoming more famous after India's charges. The event triggered security concerns among diplomatic circles, especially in India, where authorities are closely watching the development. LeT is a banned terror organisation, but the group and its affiliates continue to operate openly in Pakistan, often holding public gatherings under the guise of charity or nationalist causes. The presence of high-profile politicians at such gatherings continues to raise questions about Pakistan's commitment to fighting terrorism.
Economic Times
03-06-2025
- Politics
- Economic Times
Following Lashkar rally boasting 'revenge for 1971', Pakistan speaker's open support for Pahalgam mastermind sparks outrage
Following India's Operation Sindoor, concerns are rising as ties between the Pakistani government and terrorist groups seemingly strengthen. A Punjab Assembly Speaker was seen at a rally with Lashkar-e-Taiba leaders, including a US-designated terrorist involved in the Pahalgam attack. Lashkar leaders are openly celebrating 'revenge' for the 1971 war, blurring the line between state and terror. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Lashkar leaders boast of 'revenge for 1971' Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads 'We took revenge for Bangladesh' Growing concerns over terror-politics nexus The gap between the Pakistani government and terrorist groups seems to be getting smaller after India's Operation Sindoor. A shocking example of this was seen recently when Malik Ahmed Khan, Speaker of the Punjab Assembly in Pakistan, was spotted attending a rally with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) deputy chief Saifullah Kasuri and Talha Saeed , son of LeT founder Hafiz per a TOI report, Kasuri, a US-designated terrorist and one of the key planners behind the recent Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, was treated like a hero. When reporters asked Malik Ahmed Khan about his presence at the rally, he defended Kasuri by saying no one should be considered guilty without proper investigation. He also claimed a personal connection to Kasur, the town where the May 28 rally took presence of Talha Saeed and Kasuri at the rally came just days after videos started circulating of Lashkar terrorists celebrating what they called 'revenge' for Pakistan's defeat in the 1971 war against the videos, Kasuri is seen arriving at the rally with bodyguards carrying American M4 rifles, while flower petals are showered on him. He was even called the 'conqueror' of India by his one rally in Gujranwala on May 28, Muzammil Hashmi and others made hateful comments targeting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 'Modi, your missiles didn't scare our children. Why would your bullets scare us?' said Hashmi during the rally, which was hosted by the political wing of LeT, Pakistan Markazi Muslim another speech, Kasuri made emotional statements about the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. 'I was just four when Pakistan was broken apart in 1971. Indira Gandhi had said she drowned the two-nation theory. But on May 10, we took revenge,' he declared at a rally in Rahim Yar also talked about the Indian air strike on Muridke, which killed fellow terrorist Mudassar. He expressed pain at not being allowed to attend the funeral. 'I cried a lot that day,' he events have caused alarm internationally. As per a TOI report, experts believe this is yet another sign that certain Pakistani leaders are openly supporting extremist groups. With Lashkar terrorists making bold claims of violence and revenge, and top state officials sharing the stage with them, the line between state and terror is becoming dangerously from TOI
Time of India
03-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Following Lashkar rally boasting 'revenge for 1971', Pakistan speaker's open support for Pahalgam mastermind sparks outrage
The gap between the Pakistani government and terrorist groups seems to be getting smaller after India's Operation Sindoor. A shocking example of this was seen recently when Malik Ahmed Khan, Speaker of the Punjab Assembly in Pakistan, was spotted attending a rally with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) deputy chief Saifullah Kasuri and Talha Saeed , son of LeT founder Hafiz Saeed. As per a TOI report, Kasuri, a US-designated terrorist and one of the key planners behind the recent Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, was treated like a hero. When reporters asked Malik Ahmed Khan about his presence at the rally, he defended Kasuri by saying no one should be considered guilty without proper investigation. He also claimed a personal connection to Kasur, the town where the May 28 rally took place. Lashkar leaders boast of 'revenge for 1971' The presence of Talha Saeed and Kasuri at the rally came just days after videos started circulating of Lashkar terrorists celebrating what they called 'revenge' for Pakistan's defeat in the 1971 war against India. In the videos, Kasuri is seen arriving at the rally with bodyguards carrying American M4 rifles, while flower petals are showered on him. He was even called the 'conqueror' of India by his supporters. At one rally in Gujranwala on May 28, Muzammil Hashmi and others made hateful comments targeting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 'Modi, your missiles didn't scare our children. Why would your bullets scare us?' said Hashmi during the rally, which was hosted by the political wing of LeT, Pakistan Markazi Muslim League. Live Events 'We took revenge for Bangladesh' In another speech, Kasuri made emotional statements about the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. 'I was just four when Pakistan was broken apart in 1971. Indira Gandhi had said she drowned the two-nation theory. But on May 10, we took revenge,' he declared at a rally in Rahim Yar Khan. Kasuri also talked about the Indian air strike on Muridke, which killed fellow terrorist Mudassar. He expressed pain at not being allowed to attend the funeral. 'I cried a lot that day,' he said. Growing concerns over terror-politics nexus These events have caused alarm internationally. As per a TOI report, experts believe this is yet another sign that certain Pakistani leaders are openly supporting extremist groups. With Lashkar terrorists making bold claims of violence and revenge, and top state officials sharing the stage with them, the line between state and terror is becoming dangerously unclear. Inputs from TOI
Time of India
02-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Pakistan's Punjab speaker backs Pahalgam attacker at rally
NEW DELHI: The line, ever so thin, between the Pakistani state and terrorists, is fast disappearing post-Operation Sindoor. Speaker of Pakistan's Punjab assembly, Malik Ahmed Khan, has now come out in defence of Lashkar-e-Taiba deputy chief Saifullah Kasuri, by attending a rally alongside the US-designated terrorist, and Talha Saeed, son of LeT chief Hafiz Saeed . Asked by reporters, the speaker of the assembly of Pakistan's biggest province brazened it out by saying Kasuri, one of the masterminds of the Pahalgam terror attack , should not be seen as an accused without an investigation. He also cited a personal connection to Kasur, the town where the May 28 rally was organised. The presence of Talha alongside Kasuri came to light when foreign policy circles were already discussing Kasuri and his jihadi comrades gloating over what they called their success in avenging the partition of Pakistan after its loss to India in the 1971 war. LeT ultras boast about revenge for 1971, mock 'Modi's missiles & bullets' Video footage from the rally showed Lashkar-e-Taiba deputy chief Saifullah Kasuri arriving with a posse of guards carrying American M4 carbines and being serenaded as the "conqueror" of India. Flower petals were showered on him. While addressing the gathering, the Lashkar terrorists boasted about their involvement in protests against former Bangladeshi prime minister Sheikh Hasina, which forced her to flee and take shelter in India. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Own A Barrel of Whisky With Average Annual Returns of 10.15%* Whisky Investors Download Undo Kasuri and Muzammil Hashmi, both designated as terrorists by the US, claimed credit for their role in the coup during rallies organised last week. "We emerged victorious against you in Bangladesh last year," they said. Expectedly, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been the target of hateful vitriol that marks proceedings of jihadi congregations. "Tum hamein apni goli se darate ho, Modi hum tujhe paigham dete hain, humare bachche teri missailon se nahi dare, hum teri goli se kya darenge (Modi, you scare us with your bullets, our children were not scared of your missiles, you think we are worried about your bullets)," Hashmi said during a rally by Pakistan Markazi Muslim League, the political front of Lashkar-e-Taiba, in Gujranwala on May 28. At another rally the same week, Kasuri drew parallels between the 1971 Bangladesh liberation war and recent events, stating that his group had avenged the past defeat. "I was four years old when Pakistan was dismembered in 1971. The then Indian PM Indira Gandhi had declared that she had drowned the two-nation theory in the khaleej (Bay of Bengal). On May 10, we took the revenge of 1971," Kasuri said while addressing his supporters in Rahim Yar Khan. He also referenced the brutal Indian air strikes on Muridke, which resulted in the death of fellow terrorist Mudassar, and expressed anguish over being barred from attending the funeral. "I was not allowed to attend his funeral. On the day of his funeral, I cried a lot," Kasuri said.
