India parliamentary delegation in Riyadh accused Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir of shaking hands with a US-designated terrorist on Thursday, sparking a major controversy. As part of the all-party Indian team led by BJP MP Baijayant Panda, Lok Sabha MP Asaduddin Owaisi stated that Asim Munir’s gesture blatantly demonstrates Pakistan’s continued support for terrorism. He insisted that the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) add Pakistan back to its grey list.
Evidence of Terror Links Resurfaces
Asaduddin Owaisi pointed to photographic evidence showing Asim Munir, recently elevated to the rank of Field Marshal, shaking hands with Mohammad Ehsan, a US-designated terrorist. Asaduddin Owaisi said that Pakistani officials took the image at an event where Asim Munir and Mohammad Ehsan sat beside each other.
#WATCH | Riyadh, Saudi Arabia | AIMIM chief and MP Asaduddin Owaisi says, “…Pakistan must be brought back to the FATF grey list. That is where we will be able to control this terror financing of all these terrorist organisations. When this person (Asim Munir) was made a Field… pic.twitter.com/bGz9R8BZfS
— ANI (@ANI) May 28, 2025
He stated, “When this person was made a Field Marshal, Mohammad Ehsan was sitting right beside him. There are photographs of him shaking hands with this Field Marshal.”
Asaduddin Owaisi argued that such associations make it imperative for global watchdogs like FATF to act. “Pakistan must be brought back to the FATF grey list. Only then can we control terror financing by these organisations,” he said.
Operation Lies: Pakistan’s Propaganda
Asaduddin Owaisi also mocked a recent stunt by Asim Munir during a “victory” dinner with PM Shehbaz Sharif. Asim Munir presented Shehbaz Sharif with a photograph, claiming it showcased Pakistani military success against India under Operation Bunyanum Marsoos. However, Asaduddin Owaisi clarified that the image was from a 2019 Chinese military drill.
“Yesterday, the Pakistani Army chief gifted a photo to Shehbaz Sharif… these stupid jokers want to compete with India,” Owaisi said. He added, “It takes brains to copy. They don’t even have that.”
Delegation Unites Against Terror
The Indian delegation’s comments in Riyadh highlighted a rare moment of cross-party consensus on the issue of terrorism. Members urged the international community to hold Pakistan accountable for openly sheltering and supporting designated terrorists.
The controversy has once again raised questions about Pakistan’s commitment to global anti-terror standards. As images and accusations gain traction, global allies and the FATF face mounting pressure to take decisive action.
