In a disturbing development, top commanders of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), a terrorist organization banned in Pakistan, were seen openly leading a rally in Lahore, Punjab province. Videos circulating online show Saifullah Kasuri, allegedly the mastermind behind the 2025 Pahalgam terror attack, addressing the crowd at an event organized by the Pakistan Markazi Muslim League (PMML). The rally marked Youm-e-Takbeer, Pakistan's commemoration of its nuclear tests.
Alongside Kasuri was Talha Saeed, son of LeT founder Hafiz Saeed and listed as India’s 32nd most wanted terrorist. Talha delivered a fiery speech, raising jihadist slogans and calling for actions against India.
Profile of Saifullah Kasuri
According to Indian intelligence, Kasuri masterminded the Pahalgam attack on April 22, 2025, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians, predominantly Hindus. At the rally, he announced plans to construct a center, road, and hospital in Allahabad named after “Mudassir Shaheed,” a terrorist reportedly killed in Indian Air Force strikes on Pakistani terror camps in May.
Pakistan Markazi Muslim League and LeT Links
The PMML is widely regarded as a political front for the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba. The group has escalated anti-India demonstrations across major Pakistani cities, demanding the release of Hafiz Saeed and condemning India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty. India suspended the treaty citing Pakistan’s continuous support for terrorists conducting cross-border attacks.
Despite global and Pakistani bans on LeT, the PMML maintains its leadership structure with Hafiz Saeed as the ideological figurehead. India has repeatedly criticized Pakistan for normalizing terrorism, particularly after operations targeting key LeT figures tied to high-profile attacks.
Implications Amid International Financial Aid
The presence of recognized terrorists at a major public rally in Pakistan reveals the government’s tacit support for extremist groups, contrasting its claims of being a terrorism victim. This has raised serious questions about the appropriateness of international financial support to Pakistan.
Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh criticized the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for approving a $1 billion aid package to Pakistan, warning that the funds are likely to finance terror infrastructure. Singh urged the IMF to reconsider future financial assistance to Pakistan, highlighting the risk of money being diverted to support terrorism targeting India’s armed forces and civilians.
Despite India’s objections, the IMF recently released the bailout funds, drawing heavy criticism from the Indian government and public alike. The incident underscores ongoing concerns about Pakistan's commitment to counterterrorism and the potential misuse of international aid.
