Shaheer Sialvi, chairman of the Pakistan Nazriyati Party, reportedly made the remarks while addressing an event organised by the Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba in Rawalpindi. In a video that has since gone viral on social media, Sialvi is seen speaking in the presence of senior Lashkar commander Muzammil Hashmi, a designated terrorist and close aide of Hafiz Saeed, seated beside him.
During his address, Sialvi referred to recent strikes on terror locations in Muridke and Bahawalpur, which India has long identified as major centres of terrorist activity. He stated that these sites were among those India had presented internationally as terror hubs.
Sialvi further alleged that, following the strikes, the Pakistani military conducted formal military funerals for individuals killed in the operations, with soldiers in uniform acting as pallbearers. He claimed that this act was intended to project the deceased as “freedom fighters” rather than terrorists, adding that it was the first instance of such military participation in their funerals.
The politician, who is the son of a former Pakistani army brigadier, also claimed that the military’s response to the strikes was driven by allegiance to Hafiz Saeed and Masood Azhar, whom he described as central figures in the conflict narrative. He further alleged that the Pakistan Army engaged in hostilities with India in response to these events.
Sialvi also admitted to having met Hafiz Saeed, the founder of Lashkar-e-Taiba, during his remarks.
These claims follow similar allegations made earlier by Masood Ilyas Kashmiri, a senior commander of Jaish-e-Mohammed, who reportedly stated in a separate viral video that senior Pakistani military officials, including the army chief, had sent representatives to attend funerals of those killed in India’s Operation Sindoor.
For decades, Pakistan has officially denied providing state support to terrorist organisations operating from its territory, categorising them as non-state actors. However, the latest remarks and circulating videos have intensified scrutiny over alleged institutional links between state elements and banned terror groups.
India had launched Operation Sindoor in response to a terror attack in Pahalgam, targeting infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The operation was followed by a brief military confrontation between the two countries, further escalating regional tensions.
The viral statements have added a new dimension to longstanding allegations regarding cross-border terrorism and the role of state institutions, raising fresh questions in the international discourse on regional security and counterterrorism.
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