LeT Leaders Spotted at High-Profile Funeral
The mastermind of the 2025 Pahalgam attack and several other Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) leaders were seen attending the funeral of former Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Akhtar's brother in Rawalpindi on June 26, 2026. The presence of these designated terrorists at a public event has renewed concerns over the continued operations of LeT inside Pakistan, despite international pressure to crack down on militant groups.
According to local media reports, the funeral was held at a mosque in Rawalpindi's Westridge area, drawing hundreds of mourners including prominent political and religious figures. Among the attendees were Abdul Rehman Makki, a LeT leader and brother-in-law of the group's founder Hafiz Saeed, and the suspected planner of the Pahalgam attack, identified as Abu Qasim Kashmiri.
Pahalgam Attack Mastermind Identified
The Pahalgam attack, which occurred in July 2025, killed 42 Indian tourists and injured over 60 others. Indian intelligence agencies have long accused LeT of orchestrating the attack. The presence of the alleged mastermind at a public funeral highlights the group's impunity in Pakistan.
"The fact that these individuals can openly attend a high-profile funeral shows that they operate without fear of arrest or prosecution," said a senior Indian security official, speaking on condition of anonymity. "Pakistan must take concrete action against LeT leaders or face consequences."
Shoaib Akhtar's Brother Dies at 55
The deceased, Shahid Akhtar, was the elder brother of the former fast bowler. He passed away after a prolonged illness at a hospital in Rawalpindi. Shoaib Akhtar, known as the "Rawalpindi Express," expressed his grief on social media, saying, "My brother was my pillar of strength. May Allah grant him the highest place in Jannah."
The funeral was attended by several Pakistani cricket stars, including Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis, as well as political figures from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party. However, the presence of LeT leaders overshadowed the event.
International Reactions
The sighting of LeT leaders at the funeral has drawn sharp criticism from India and other nations. The United States, which has designated LeT as a foreign terrorist organization, called on Pakistan to arrest and prosecute the individuals. "These terrorists continue to operate freely in Pakistan, posing a threat to regional security," a State Department spokesperson said.
Pakistan has not officially commented on the reports. However, a Pakistani security official, speaking off the record, claimed that "the government cannot arrest every individual who attends a funeral."
LeT's Continued Presence in Pakistan
LeT has been banned in Pakistan since 2002, but its leaders have continued to operate openly, often appearing at public events. Hafiz Saeed, the group's founder, was arrested in 2019 but was released in 2020 and has since resumed public activities. The United Nations Security Council has listed several LeT leaders as global terrorists.
The funeral incident underscores the challenges in curbing militant groups in Pakistan. Experts say that without sustained pressure from the international community, LeT and other groups will continue to thrive.
