Islamabad, Jun 27: The funeral of former Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Akhtar’s elder brother, Shahid Akhtar, in Islamabad has drawn attention after videos circulating on social media appeared to show several figures associated with the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), including its deputy chief Saifullah Kasuri, attending the ceremony. Shahid Akhtar passed away on June 24.
The funeral was held at the H-8 graveyard in Islamabad. Besides Kasuri, Inam Ur Rehman, president of the Pakistan Markazi Muslim League (PMML), widely described as the political front of LeT, was also seen in the videos. PMML was formed after the banning of organisations including Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) and Milli Muslim League (MML), both linked to UN-designated terrorist Hafiz Saeed.
Kasuri has made several anti-India statements in recent months following the Pahalgam terror attack. He has also issued threats against India in public speeches and, in another video circulated online, claimed to have close ties with the Pakistan Army, alleging he had been invited to military events and to lead funeral prayers for soldiers.
Indian authorities have previously accused Pakistan-based terror groups, including LeT, of involvement in cross-border terrorism. Following the Pahalgam attack, India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty and launched Operation Sindoor, targeting terror infrastructure across the border.
The appearance of LeT-linked figures at a public funeral has renewed scrutiny over the visibility and activities of members of banned militant organisations in Pakistan. Neither Shoaib Akhtar nor Pakistani authorities had issued any public statement on the matter at the time of filing this report. (Agencies)
