In a powerful and pointed address delivered in Riyadh, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) President and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi made a series of serious allegations against Pakistan, accusing the neighboring country of maintaining deep-rooted connections with global terrorism.
Speaking at an international forum as part of India’s global campaign to highlight terrorism under “Operation Sindoor,” Owaisi called for Pakistan to be reinstated on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list, citing what he called “irrefutable proof” of Islamabad’s continued complicity in terror financing and support.
“The world must take a strong, united stand. Pakistan’s terror networks are not only thriving—they are being enabled at the highest levels of the state,” Owaisi declared.
Photographic Evidence Sparks Outcry
Owaisi referenced a recent ceremony in Pakistan where Army Chief General Asim Munir was elevated to the rank of Field Marshal. He alleged that Mohammad Ehsan, a U.S.-designated terrorist, was photographed seated next to Munir and even seen shaking hands with him.
“This is not a diplomatic misstep; this is damning evidence of state complicity,” he emphasized, urging the international community to act decisively.
Sajid Mir and the 26/11 Case
Owaisi also took aim at Pakistan’s handling of Sajid Mir, a key accused in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. He reminded the audience that Pakistan initially denied Mir’s existence, even claiming he was dead, until pressure from the FATF forced them to acknowledge his presence.
“The conviction Pakistan boasts about is for money laundering—not for his central role in the terror attack,” Owaisi clarified. “Justice has not been served.”
He noted that Indian agencies had shared extensive legal evidence with Islamabad, including intercepted conversations between the attackers and their handlers based in Pakistani luxury hotels—evidence that went largely ignored until Pakistan faced international scrutiny.
Criticism of Diplomatic Engagement
Recalling the 2016 Pathankot Air Base attack, Owaisi criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s unscheduled visit to Pakistan shortly after the incident. He expressed dismay at what he called “premature outreach” to Pakistani leadership.
“Several brave soldiers died in Pathankot. Instead of decisive action, we extended a hand of friendship. Who exactly in Pakistan are we expected to talk to—those giving orders or those denying they exist?” he asked.
Operation Sindoor: Building a Global Consensus
Owaisi is part of a multi-party delegation spearheading India’s international awareness initiative on terrorism, known as Operation Sindoor. The delegation, led by BJP MP Baijayant Panda, includes representatives across party lines such as BJP MPs Nishikant Dubey, Phangnon Konyak, NC leader Ghulam Nabi Azad, Rekha Sharma, and diplomat Harsh Vardhan Shringla.
The campaign aims to consolidate global support against terrorism, presenting India’s experience and evidence of cross-border threats to international partners.
