Lagatar24 Desk
Algeria: AIMIM chief and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi launched a sharp attack on Pakistan during his address to the Indian diaspora in Algeria, accusing it of openly sheltering and promoting terrorists. He cited the example of 26/11 Mumbai attack mastermind Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, who fathered a child while in prison, to highlight Pakistan’s soft stance towards extremists.
Pakistan coddles terrorists, says Owaisi
Owaisi, part of the Indian government’s anti-terror delegation abroad, said, “No country in the world would allow a terrorist facing serious charges to enjoy such liberties. Yet Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi became a father while sitting in prison.” He added that only after pressure from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) did Pakistan resume his stalled trial. He urged global powers to push Pakistan back onto FATF’s Grey List.
Pakistan the epicentre of extremist ideology
Criticising the ideological roots of terrorism in Pakistan, Owaisi said, “Pakistan is the epicentre of Takfirism. There is no difference in ideology between Pakistani terror groups and global outfits like Daesh and Al-Qaeda.” He condemned the ideology that justifies violence in the name of religion, asserting, “Islam does not allow the killing of any person. This ideology is completely wrong.”
Pahalgam massacre and global implications
Referring to the April 22 Pahalgam attack in Jammu and Kashmir, where 26 tourists were killed by Pakistan-backed terrorists, Owaisi said Islam has no place for Takfiri ideologies that incite sectarian violence. He also warned the international community of Pakistan’s continued sponsorship of proscribed terror organisations like Lashkar-e-Taiba, which he said shares links with Al-Qaeda and had a role in supporting the 9/11 attackers.
Operation Sindoor and India’s stance
Owaisi highlighted India’s decisive action against terror outfits through Operation Sindoor on May 7, which targeted launchpads of LeT and Jaish-e-Mohammed. “Anyone who picks up arms is a terrorist. We cannot afford to give space to such people,” he said.
Global community must act
Appealing to world leaders, Owaisi said, “Pakistan is not just a threat to India, but to the peace of South Asia. The world cannot ignore this anymore. It is in the interest of global peace to rein in Pakistan.”
