Following Indian strikes on terrorist installations within Pakistan as part of Operation Sindoor, a photograph has emerged showing high-ranking Pakistan Army officials attending the funerals of the slain terrorists. The image, widely circulated and discussed, has sparked outrage and condemnation, raising serious questions about Pakistan's continued support for terrorist organizations.
The funeral in question was held in Muridke for militants killed in the Indian strikes on the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) headquarters. Leading the prayers was Abdul Rauf, also known as Abdur Rauf, a US-designated global terrorist and a prominent figure in LeT known for advocating the annexation of Kashmir and recruiting and training suicide bombers.
Alongside Rauf, the photograph reveals the presence of several senior Pakistani military and government leaders:
Adding to the controversy, the coffins of the terrorists were draped in the Pakistani national flag, a practice typically reserved for state funerals honoring national heroes. This further fueled the perception that Pakistan is not only harboring terrorists but also celebrating them.
India has reacted strongly to the photos and the attendance of Pakistani officials at the funerals. During a press briefing, India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri presented the photograph as evidence of Pakistan's state support for terrorism, questioning what message it sends when terrorists are given state funerals. He asserted that Pakistan's actions demonstrate support for banned groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), and the Resistance Front (TRF).
Vikram Doraiswami, the Indian High Commissioner to the UK, also confronted Pakistan on Sky News, displaying the photograph and highlighting the presence of a UN-designated terrorist leading the funeral prayers. He questioned Pakistan's system of giving state funerals to terrorists, emphasizing the message it sends to the world.
The presence of high-ranking Pakistani officials at the funeral of terrorists has drawn widespread condemnation. Judea Pearl, the father of slain American journalist Daniel Pearl, whose murder was linked to terrorists in Pakistan, expressed his outrage, questioning what values are being celebrated by honoring such individuals.
The incident has further strained relations between India and Pakistan, with India reiterating its stance that Pakistan is a state sponsor of terrorism. The exposure of these photos and the identification of the officials present have intensified international scrutiny on Pakistan's role in fostering and supporting terrorist organizations.
