In a development that has reignited concerns over Pakistan’s ties to terror groups, Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmed Khan was seen sharing a stage with top Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) leaders at a political rally in Kasur, Punjab. Among those present were Saifullah Khalid, alias Kasuri, deputy chief of LeT and a US-designated terrorist, and Talha Saeed, son of 26/11 Mumbai attacks mastermind Hafiz Saeed.
Kasuri, believed to be one of the masterminds behind the recent Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, openly addressed the rally and referred to India as a “dushman” (enemy) state. He also mocked the charges against him, saying, “I’ve become more famous after India accused me.”
Speaker Justifies Presence, Downplays Terror Link
Responding to the backlash, Malik Ahmad Khan told reporters: “It was a political rally, and politicians from all walks of life were present there. Because I have a personal connection with the place (Kasur), organisers also called me and I went.” He also added that Kasuri “should not be seen as an accused in the Pahalgam terror attack case without an investigation.”
Video clips from the May 28 rally circulating on social media showed Talha Saeed personally welcoming the Punjab Speaker on stage. The footage has drawn sharp reactions, particularly in India, where security agencies are monitoring the developments closely.
Pakistan’s Anti-Terror Claims Under Scrutiny
Despite being a UN-proscribed terror group, LeT continues to operate openly in Pakistan, often under the cover of charity work or nationalist campaigns. This latest episode has once again raised serious doubts about Islamabad’s commitment to combating terrorism, especially when high-profile politicians are seen engaging with extremist figures
