The funeral of Shoaib Akhtar’s elder brother, Shahid Akhtar, in Islamabad has sparked controversy as senior members of Lashkar-e-Taiba, including deputy chief Saifullah Kasuri, were seen attending. Shahid Akhtar, who passed away on June 24, was laid to rest at the H-8 graveyard in Islamabad. Videos circulating on social media captured the presence of Lashkar-e-Taiba affiliates at the funeral prayers.
Among the attendees was Inam Ur Rehman, the president of the Pakistan Markazi Muslim League (PMML), believed to be linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba. The PMML, associated with UN-designated terrorist Hafiz Saeed, has faced international and domestic sanctions. The incident has reignited concerns about the visibility of banned terror groups within Pakistan’s social and political spheres.
The presence of high-ranking Lashkar officials at a public event has drawn attention to the operational freedom enjoyed by proscribed terrorist organizations in Pakistan. Analysts highlight the worrisome influence these groups wield in the country’s political and social fabric. Saifullah Kasuri, known for his anti-India rhetoric, has been vocal following the Pahalgam terror attack, issuing threats and making provocative statements.
Operation Sindoor, launched by India after the Pahalgam attack, targeted terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, resulting in the destruction of several terror facilities, including Lashkar-e-Taiba’s headquarters. Despite these actions disrupting Lashkar’s operations, Kasuri has continued to make threats against India, warning of potential terror strikes akin to the Mumbai attacks.
In a video from February, Kasuri openly threatened India, asserting that the “enemy” would have no sanctuary on land, air, or sea. He accused India of engaging in “water terrorism” following the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty. Shoaib Akhtar, a former cricketer and prominent figure in Pakistan, has distanced himself from the controversy surrounding his brother’s funeral, focusing on his career as a cricket commentator.
