New Delhi: In a strong denunciation of Pakistan, All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi has referred to the terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) as the “illegitimate child” of the Pakistan government and its intelligence agency, the ISI, in the wake of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam.
Owaisi also urged the Indian government to push for Pakistan’s inclusion in the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) grey list. FATF is the global body that combats money laundering and terror financing, with its black and grey lists identifying countries with weak mechanisms to fight these crimes.
In his scathing remarks against Pakistan, Owaisi criticized the country’s ongoing nuclear threats. He stated, “If you enter a country and kill innocent people, no nation will remain silent, no matter who holds power. The way you attacked our people, targeting them based on their religion and shooting them—what kind of religion are you talking about? You are no different from the Khawarij (a deviant Islamic sect) and sympathize with ISIS.”
Turning his ire towards Pakistan’s leadership, he added, “You are not just half an hour behind us, you are half a century behind India. Your nation’s budget doesn’t even match the size of our military expenditure.”
Owaisi also emphasized the need to protect the unity of India, particularly in Kashmir. “How can we question the loyalty of Kashmiris? It was they who fought terrorists and carried the injured on their shoulders,” he remarked, warning against attempts to sow division between Hindus and Muslims. “Pakistan, ISI, and Lashkar-e-Taiba thrive on conflict; we must stand united in the face of these threats.”
Meanwhile, Congress leader Supriya Shrinate lashed out at Pakistan for its nuclear threats, dismissing them as absurd. “Pakistan is threatening nuclear war while struggling for basic necessities like flour and pulses? You should remember 1971 and the lessons of that defeat. It’s time for you to be quiet,” she wrote on social media.
This comes after Pakistani Minister Hanif Abbasi made inflammatory remarks, threatening nuclear conflict in response to India’s decision to pause the Indus Water Treaty. Abbasi warned, “Our Ghori, Shaheen, and Ghaznavi missiles, along with 130 nuclear bombs, are not for show. They are aimed at India. Stop interfering with our water and prepare for war.”
The Pahalgam attack, which took place on April 22, resulted in the tragic deaths of 25 tourists and a local Kashmiri pony ride operator in the Baisaran meadows. The ruthless attack has sparked widespread outrage across India. In his reaction, Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowed that those responsible, including their backers, would face severe retribution. “India will track down and punish every terrorist and their sponsors. Our spirit will not be broken,” he asserted. “From Kargil to Kanyakumari, the nation stands united in grief and anger. This attack was not just on innocent tourists; it was an assault on India’s very soul. We will eradicate the remnants of the terror haven,” he declared.
The government held an all-party meeting to discuss the situation, with opposition leaders voicing their full support for any decisive action the Centre takes. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi echoed this sentiment, stating that the opposition stands united with the government in its efforts to tackle terrorism.
