The close relationship between Pakistani politics and militant organizations has been publicly highlighted once again by one of the country's prominent politicians. Speaking at an all-party gathering in Islamabad, former Pakistani Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed openly praised Hafiz Saeed, the founder of Lashkar-e-Taiba and the chief architect of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. In the presence of representatives from various political parties, he unhesitatingly declared his allegiance to the designated global terrorist. His statements have raised serious questions regarding Pakistan's official counter-terrorism posture on the global stage.
Open Praise and Declaration of Ties to Hafiz Saeed
Addressing the convention in Islamabad, Sheikh Rasheed expressed his devotion to the terror chief without any hesitation. He publicly stated that he considers Hafiz Saeed his mentor and feels no reluctance in aligning with him. Speaking directly to extremists and their supporters present at the venue, he remarked, "You are mujahideen, great people who have dedicated your lives for Pakistan, and we are with Hafiz Saeed."
The former interior minister's remarks underscore how figures who have held senior government portfolios openly harbor sympathy and support for notorious terrorists. Throughout his address, he attempted to portray extremist activities as acts of national service.
Recounting US Deportation as a Point of Pride
During his speech, Sheikh Rasheed recounted a past incident involving American authorities, presenting it as a badge of honor rather than a matter of shame. He stated that during a visit to the United States, American security and immigration officials conducted a inspection of his mobile device. During the check, officials discovered Hafiz Saeed's contact number saved in his phone book.
Upon discovering the contact number of the international terrorist on his device, US authorities immediately ordered his deportation from the country. Sharing the details proudly with the audience, Sheikh Rasheed stated that the presence of Saeed's phone number was the direct cause of his expulsion from the United States. His tone while describing the event clearly indicated that maintaining direct contacts with terrorist leaders is viewed with pride within certain political circles.
The Context of Hafiz Saeed and Global Terror Classification
Hafiz Saeed, whom the former minister publicly endorsed, is the chief mastermind behind the 2008 terror attacks in Mumbai, India, which resulted in the deaths of 166 innocent people and left hundreds injured. He has headed terror outfits including Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jamaat-ud-Dawa, both of which are banned globally.
The United Nations Security Council and the United States government have officially designated Hafiz Saeed as a global terrorist, with the US offering a multi-million-dollar bounty for information leading to his conviction. Praise for such an individual by a former high-ranking official exposes the deep-rooted patronage extended to terror figures within Pakistan's political landscape.
Exposing the Political-Terrorist Nexus in Pakistan
This admission is part of a broader pattern of convergence between militant networks and Pakistan's political-military establishment. Previous instances have shown senior military personnel, government ministers, and religious figures attending the funeral services of militants killed in counter-terrorism operations like Operation Sindoor. Sheikh Rasheed's public statements further undermine diplomatic assertions made by Pakistan on international platforms claiming to combat terrorism.
