Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri has publicly revealed Pakistan’s long-standing terror connections by revealing a photo of Pakistani Army officers at the funeral of Lashkar-e-Tayyiba commander Hafiz Abdul Rauf—a US-listed terrorist. The picture showed Pakistani Army and police officers conducting funeral prayers for Lashkar terrorists killed in Indian air strikes.

Misri Criticizes Pakistan’s Practices

Addressing a press briefing on Thursday, Misri criticized the hypocrisy saying, “It is strange that terrorist funerals are held with Pakistani flags over coffins and state honors being accorded… State funerals to terrorists could be a tradition in Pakistan.” He again emphasized that India considers those killed in these operations as terrorists, and the state’s honor to them is a manifestation of Pakistan’s open endorsement.

India’s Measured Reaction

Responding to the escalation in Kashmir, Misri reiterated India’s measured response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives of civilians. He clarified that India’s missile strikes were retaliatory, precise, and aimed at not escalating more. “India’s response is non-escalatory, targeted, and calibrated… Our intention is not to escalate and we are only reacting to the escalation,” he said.

The attacks, conducted under Operation Sindoor, were conducted by the Indian Air Force, Army, and Navy and only directed at terrorist facilities, not taking aim at the military.

Pakistan Accused of Being Terror Haven

Misri also criticized Pakistan’s international status as a source of terrorism that hosts terrorists, particularly organizations like Lashkar-e-Tayyiba.
Pakistan’s reputation as the hotbed of global terrorism is founded on a series of instances. I don’t have to remind you where Osama bin Laden was discovered, and who referred to him as a martyr,” he said.

He went on to say that Pakistan still harbors many UN-listed terrorists and others had boycott by nations globally. “You should have noticed over the past couple of days, their Defence Minister and ex-Foreign Minister endorsing their nation’s engagement with these terror organizations,” Misri remarked.

India Interested in Peace

Wrapping up his speech, Misri underlined that the actions taken by India are just to defend its citizens against cross-border terror and maintain national security.
“India’s intention is clear: to secure peace and stability for its citizens, while bringing terrorists to book for their deeds,” he stated.