India has flagged the presence of Hafiz Abdur Rauf, a US-designated global terrorist and senior Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) leader, leading a funeral procession in Pakistan. The funeral, attended by high-ranking Pakistan Army officials, has reignited concerns about Pakistan’s alleged support for designated terrorist entities.
During a press briefing in New Delhi, Indian officials presented photographic evidence showing Rauf leading the procession, alongside Pakistan Army officers in uniform. The image has since gone viral, fueling widespread debate and diplomatic scrutiny.
Rauf, the brother of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar, is listed as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist under US Treasury sanctions for his role in financing and propagating LeT’s operations. Despite this, Pakistan’s official stance was to dismiss his terrorist designation, labelling him a “common family man.”
However, official documents—including Rauf’s national identity card and details listed in US sanctions—confirmed his direct involvement in terrorist activities. Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, holding the damning photograph during the press briefing, questioned Pakistan’s narrative, highlighting that all strikes conducted in Operation Sindoor targeted confirmed terrorist infrastructure.
Pakistan’s military further attempted to blur the issue by conflating Hafiz Abdur Rauf with Abdul Rauf Azhar—another of Masood Azhar’s brothers, who was reportedly killed in Operation Sindoor. Indian officials swiftly clarified that the two individuals were separate but deeply entrenched in Pakistan’s terror networks.
Prominent Pakistani military officers, including Lt Gen Fayyaz Hussain Shah, Corps Commander IV Corps Lahore, and Maj Gen Rao Imran Sartaj, were present at the funeral, reinforcing concerns about state involvement. Visuals from Muridke indicated a formal state ceremony rather than a private religious service, casting doubt on Pakistan’s claim that it does not support designated terrorist entities.
The incident underscores long-standing international concerns over Pakistan’s role in fostering terrorism, particularly through its continued engagement with proscribed organisations despite global pressure. The fallout from this revelation is likely to impact diplomatic relations, with India pushing for further accountability on Pakistan’s stance regarding terrorist networks.
