Daijiworld Media Network – Islamabad
Islamabad, Aug 13: Former Pakistan interior minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed has reportedly been seen sharing a stage with alleged Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) figures and praising the group's founder Hafiz Saeed, in a video that has surfaced on social media and is being widely circulated.
The undated video purportedly shows Ahmed, a former minister in Imran Khan's government and founder of the Awami Muslim League, sharing the stage with alleged LeT commanders Khalid Masood Sandhu and Qari Muhammad Yaqoob Sheikh. India TV Digital, however, could not independently verify the authenticity or date of the video.
In the clip, Ahmed is heard describing himself as a follower of Hafiz Saeed and expressing support for the militant group. He also makes threatening remarks against India, claiming that Pakistan would respond if India attempted to act against the country.
Ahmed also reportedly claimed that he had been expelled from the United States after Saeed's mobile phone number was found on his phone.
The video has triggered fresh concerns over the alleged public presence and political connections of individuals associated with terrorist organisations in Pakistan.
The latest incident comes after several other instances in which individuals linked to LeT have been seen at public events in Pakistan. In June, Hafiz Saeed's son Talha Saeed was reportedly present at the funeral of former Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Akhtar's elder brother Shahid Akhtar in Islamabad. Other alleged terrorists, including Inam-ur-Rehman Kamboh, Abdullah Toor, Hafiz Umar and Amjad Bhatti, were also reported to have attended the gathering.
The developments have also renewed international concerns over Pakistan's alleged links with terrorist groups, particularly organisations operating against India. Various international assessments have previously raised concerns over the presence and activities of militant groups in Pakistan.
New Delhi has repeatedly raised concerns over Pakistan's alleged support for cross-border terrorism and has urged the international community to take action against terrorist networks operating from its territory.
The latest video, if authentic, could further intensify scrutiny over the visibility of individuals associated with proscribed militant organisations in Pakistan and their interactions with political figures. However, the exact circumstances, location and date of the gathering shown in the clip remain unclear.