India launched precision air strikes on nine terror-linked sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) early on May 7. The strikes came in response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which killed 26 people. The operation, named ‘Operation Sindoor’, targeted locations connected to terror groups.
Foreign Secretary Slams Pakistan’s Double Standards
After the strikes, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri addressed the media. He accused Pakistan of protecting terrorists while pretending to fight terrorism. He said, “The Sajid Mir case, in which this terrorist was declared dead and then, in response to international pressure, brought back to life, found alive and arrested, is the most glaring example.”
Misri used Sajid Mir’s case to highlight Pakistan’s pattern of lies and cover-ups. He also pointed to Pakistan’s poor record on fighting terrorism despite pressure from bodies like the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).
Who is Sajid Mir?
Sajid Mir, born in Lahore in 1976 or 1978, is a senior leader of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). He played a key role in planning the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, which killed over 170 people. Indian agencies once called him “the most dangerous man in Pakistan.” Mir ran LeT’s international operations. He recruited David Coleman Headley, who carried out surveillance for the 26/11 attacks. According to the FBI, Mir told Headley to change his name from Daood Gilani and set up an immigration office in Mumbai as a cover.
Global Pressure Forced Pakistan to Act
In 2011, the United States indicted Mir. A year later, the US Treasury Department added him to its Specially Designated Nationals list. He remains on the FBI’s Most Wanted List, with a $5 million reward for information.
The US also tried to label him a global terrorist at the United Nations. However, China blocked the move in 2023.
Despite global efforts, Pakistan kept denying Mir’s existence. Then it claimed he was dead.
Proof Emerges Against Pakistan’s Claims
In 2009, French judge Jean-Louis Bruguière confirmed that Mir existed and was part of the Pakistan Army.
Later in 2012, Indian terrorist handler Sayed Zabiuddin Ansari revealed more. During interrogation, he said Mir visited Mumbai in 2005 using a fake passport. He even built a model of the Taj Mahal Hotel to help terrorists prepare for the attack.
Pakistan Arrests Mir After FATF Pressure
After years of denial, Pakistan arrested Mir in 2022. A court in Lahore sentenced him to 15 years in jail for terror financing and fined him PKR 420,000. Pakistan informed FATF about this arrest, likely hoping to get off the ‘grey list.’ Misri said this case shows how Pakistan “wilfully misleads the world and international forums.”
Health Issues Raise Fresh Questions
In 2023, new reports said Mir was hospitalised and put on a ventilator. He had allegedly been poisoned in jail. This incident raised suspicions. Some experts feared that Pakistan might be staging another cover-up or trying to dodge global pressure.
Terrorist Confirms Army Shielded Mir
Convicted French terrorist Willie Brigitte, once linked to Mir, confirmed more details. He said Mir lived freely in Pakistan and got protection from the army. Brigitte also said Mir had planned a terror plot in Australia in 2003, which later failed. Brigitte was arrested and sentenced in France for his role.
