Islamabad, June 27 (PTC Web Desk): The Shoaib Akhtar brother funeral in Islamabad has come under public scrutiny after several senior leaders of the banned terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) were reportedly seen attending the funeral ceremony. Shoaib Akhtar's elder brother, Shahid Akhtar, passed away on June 24 and was laid to rest at the H-8 graveyard in Islamabad.

The Shoaib Akhtar brother funeral gained widespread attention after a video circulating on social media allegedly showed LeT deputy chief Saifullah Kasuri, who India has identified as the alleged mastermind of the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack, among those present. Also seen at the funeral was Inam Ur Rehman, president of the Pakistan Markazi Muslim League (PMML), widely regarded as the political front associated with Lashkar-e-Taiba.

The Shoaib Akhtar brother funeral has sparked fresh debate over the public presence of individuals linked to banned terror organisations in Pakistan. While there is no indication that former cricketer Shoaib Akhtar had any role in or connection with the attendance of these individuals, the reported presence of LeT leaders at the funeral has drawn attention due to their alleged involvement in anti-India terror activities.

Viral video shows LeT leaders at funeral

According to reports, the viral video shows Saifullah Kasuri and other LeT-linked figures attending Shahid Akhtar's funeral prayers. The presence of these individuals has renewed concerns over the freedom with which leaders of banned organisations are able to appear at public events in Pakistan.

The PMML, represented at the funeral by Inam Ur Rehman, was formed after earlier organisations linked to Hafiz Saeed, including Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) and Milli Muslim League (MML), faced international sanctions and restrictions. The PMML also contested Pakistan's 2024 general elections.

Who is Saifullah Kasuri?

Saifullah Kasuri is the deputy chief of Lashkar-e-Taiba and has been accused by India of masterminding the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam terror attack, in which 25 tourists lost their lives.

Following the attack, India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty and launched Operation Sindoor, targeting terrorist infrastructure, including the Lashkar headquarters in Muridke and other locations linked to terror groups.

Since the Indian military operation, Kasuri has reportedly made several provocative statements targeting India. In videos circulated online earlier this year, he allegedly warned of future attacks and criticised India's decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, describing it as "water terrorism."

Another video, which has also circulated widely, allegedly shows Kasuri claiming that he has close interactions with the Pakistan Army and is invited to attend military events, including leading funeral prayers for soldiers.

The appearance of senior LeT leaders at a public funeral has once again raised questions over the activities of banned terror organisations in Pakistan. Security experts believe such incidents may further strengthen India's concerns regarding the continued presence and influence of extremist groups operating from across the border.

Authorities have not issued any official statement regarding the attendance of the individuals seen in the viral video. The footage continues to circulate on social media, while the claims surrounding those present remain a subject of public and security-related discussion.