Pak Politician Shares Stage with Lashkar-e-Taiba Leaders, Sparks Terror Ties Row

GG News Bureau
Islamabad/New Delhi, 3rd June: In a fresh embarrassment for Pakistan on the global stage, Malik Muhammad Ahmed Khan, Speaker of the Punjab Assembly, has been seen sharing the stage with senior leaders of the UN-proscribed terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) at a public rally in Punjab’s Kasur town. The controversial event, held on May 28, featured Saifullah Ahmad (aka Kasuri), the LeT’s deputy chief and a key accused in the recent Pahalgam terror attack, as well as Talha Saeed, son of LeT founder and 26/11 Mumbai attacks mastermind Hafiz Saeed.

Saifullah, a US-designated terrorist, has been publicly named by Indian security agencies as one of the masterminds behind the deadly May 7 attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, which left 26 civilians dead. His appearance alongside mainstream politicians has heightened concerns over Pakistan’s continued tolerance of extremist networks operating openly within its borders.

In widely circulated videos from the rally, Talha Saeed—believed to be the de facto head of LeT—can be seen welcoming Speaker Khan on stage. In another video, Kasuri refers to India as an enemy state, denying his role in the Pahalgam attack while mocking the Indian charges, saying, “I have become more famous after being named by India.”

Responding to media backlash, Malik Muhammad Ahmed Khan defended his presence, saying, “It was a political rally where politicians from all walks of life were invited. Because of my connection with Kasur, I attended.” He added that Kasuri “should not be seen as an accused” without due investigation.

However, the incident has triggered sharp criticism in India and raised alarm among international observers, who point to this as further proof of Islamabad’s leniency—if not complicity—in sheltering terror groups. Though LeT is officially banned, its operatives and front organisations continue to organise public rallies and operate with impunity, often under the guise of charitable or nationalist events.

The episode comes at a sensitive time, as Pakistan attempts to project a more responsible global image, especially in its efforts to exit international financial watchlists and secure economic aid. The presence of a sitting assembly speaker at a rally featuring LeT leaders is likely to undermine such efforts, reigniting long-standing allegations of state patronage of terror.

India’s diplomatic establishment is reportedly closely monitoring the development, with sources indicating that it could be raised in future international forums as evidence of Pakistan’s dual-faced approach to terrorism.