Pakistan has again been hit by controversy after the death of former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar’s brother was allegedly being attended by the leaders of the banned terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), who have a political wing.
The Pakistan Markazi Muslim League (PMML), which is Lashkar-e-Taiba’s political proxy, has issued a video showing some of its top members attending the funeral of Shahid Akhtar in Islamabad. Shahid Akhtar died of cardiac arrest three days ago, it is reported.
In the video, among others could be seen PMML chief Inam-ur-Rehman Kamboh, deputy general secretary Abdullah Toor, zonal general secretary Hafiz Umar, Khidmat committee chairman Amjad Bhatti, and party members. Inside, they stand in a prayer line and mourners and condolences are given during the funeral.
Soon after the news of his brother’s death, Shoaib Akhtar posted a heartfelt message on social media. He wrote “Namaz-e-Janaza tim & place will be notified in the morning – I’m very saddened to share my beloved older brother, Shahid Akhtar has returned to Allahu Baara.
Former Pakistan cricketer has not come out with any comment of his funeral or the attack that followed it.
The development has brought back the fear of the presence and activity of some connected with Lashkar-e-Taiba in Pakistan. India has been raising the issue of safe havens for terrorists of various groups in Pakistan and has often put it on the international agenda, especially in the wake of the country’s alleged lack of action against groups involved in cross-border terrorism.