Former Pakistani Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed has reportedly issued provocative threats against India while appearing alongside senior leaders associated with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) at a recent gathering in Pakistan. His reported appearance has once again raised questions over the alleged links between sections of Pakistan’s political establishment and extremist groups.
According to reports, Rashid attended a LeT-linked gathering where Khalid Masood Sandhu was also present. Sandhu is described as a senior LeT figure and is also associated with the Pakistan Markazi Muslim League. Reports further link him to the organisation’s central advisory structure.
Addressing the gathering, Rashid reportedly praised LeT founder Hafiz Saeed before issuing threats against India. He claimed that if India looked towards Pakistan with hostile intentions, it would face severe consequences. He also used inflammatory religious rhetoric, warning that there would be no birds singing in India and that the bells of temples would no longer ring.
Rashid reportedly declared his support for Pakistan and Hafiz Saeed during the event. His remarks have attracted attention because of his previous position in Pakistan’s government. He served as the country’s Interior Minister from 2020 to 2022 under former Prime Minister Imran Khan.
Rashid is also the founder of the Awami Muslim League. His reported participation alongside individuals linked to LeT and his public praise for Hafiz Saeed have intensified scrutiny over the political ecosystem surrounding extremist organisations in Pakistan.
The remarks are likely to trigger strong reactions in India, particularly amid continuing concerns over cross-border terrorism and the presence of internationally designated militant networks in Pakistan.
