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Memri
5 hours ago
- Politics
- Memri
At Anti-Israel Protests In Pakistan, Islamic Religious Scholars Call For Jihad Against Israel, Urge Rulers Of Islamic Nations To Use Their Armies To Help Palestinians
In April and May 2025, Pakistan's Islamic religious organizations, especially Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan (JeIP) and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F), held a series of conferences and mass rallies in several Pakistani towns and cities where Islamic scholars and community leaders expressed support for Hamas and called for jihad against Israel. A national Palestine conference was held on April 10 in Islamabad, while protests and events were also held at Rawalakot and Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir as well as in the cities of Karachi, Hyderabad, and Quetta, among others. At these events, the religious scholars called for supporting Palestinians and Kashmiris. Islamic scholars address the National Palestine Conference in Islamabad on April 10, 2025 On April 10, a national Palestine conference was held in Islamabad to express solidarity with the Palestinians, where Hamas representative Dr. Naji Zaheer, JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, President of the Wafaqul Madaris Al-Arabiya Mufti Taqi Usmani, prominent Islamic scholar Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman, and other eminent personalities delivered speeches.[1] According to a report in the Urdu daily Roznama Express: "In the declaration adopted by the national conference, Muslims were called upon to boycott Israel and its supporting countries… According to shari'a, under the principle of 'Al-Aqrab Fal-Aqrab [i.e., jihad becoming obligatory on those on and near the crisis site and its scope expanding gradually to cover wider regions],' jihad has become obligatory on all Muslims."[2] The declaration stated: "Regarding Palestine, no pact prevents participation in this jihad [against Israel]. In the name of Palestine, no armed-struggle against our own governments will be legitimate. The entire region, including Israel, belongs to Palestinians."[3] At the conference, Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman, the head of Tanzeem Al-Madaris, read out the declaration adopted on the occasion. Dr. Naji Zaheer, the Hamas representative, who was a star speaker at the conference, said: "Palestinians have great hopes from Pakistan. Israel is afraid of Pakistan, otherwise it wants to complete the project of Greater Israel."[4] Maulana Fazlur Rehman, whose organization Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) has led many anti-Israel pretests in Pakistani towns over the past few years, told the gathering: "If Pakistan does not fight for the Palestinians, it is denying its ideology. The [so-called] philosophers of our country ask how the economy will function if relations with Israel are not improved. What is there to fear? Pakistan's position on Israel should be clear. We also want to know the position of the state of Pakistan."[5] Hamas representative Dr. Zuhair Naji, who lives in Pakistan, addresses the conference Calling the gathering "historic" and urging practical jihad, Maulana Fazlur Rehman promoted a hardline approach, inciting violence rather than fostering a peaceful resolution of the Palestinian issue. "Today's gathering is not a traditional gathering; history will not be able to ignore this gathering. The entire nation is united on the issue of Palestine. Practical jihad has become obligatory on the Ummah. Muslims should participate in jihad in any way possible," he added.[6] The JUI-F leader said: "In 1917, when the State of Israel was proposed, only two percent of Jews lived in Palestine. Correct history and do not spread the lie that Palestinian Muslims sold their lands themselves. There is a Jewish conspiracy behind any problem in Pakistan. In these circumstances, the purpose of the establishment of Pakistan should be understood."[7] The state of Pakistan was established as a homeland for Muslims; Maulana Fazlur Rehman's message was that the nuclear-armed Pakistan must support Palestinians practically. One of the leading speakers at the conference was Grand Mufti of Pakistan Taqi Usmani. The religious scholar questioned Muslim governments for not using their armies for jihad, saying: "Peaceful protests are allowed, throwing stones and harming someone's life and property is forbidden. Despite the ceasefire agreement, Israeli bombing continues. The Zionists do not have any faith, any religion, any international agreement or promise. What is the use of the armies of Muslim countries if they do not wage jihad?"[8] "The requirement was that instead of gathering here [in Islamabad], we would have gathered in Gaza. A ceasefire agreement was reached in Palestine; despite the ceasefire agreement, the bombing continues. Israel has no moral values nor the value of international laws. [U.S. President Donald] Trump has now started considering the entire world his property. Despite seeing death, the Palestinians have not backed down from their position," Mufti Usmani said.[9] Mufti Taqi Usmani (left) and JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman address the National Conference on Palestine on April 10, 2025. The Grand Mufti accused Israel of implementing a plan for Greater Israel, saying: "Today, preparations are being made to implement the Greater Israel plan. According to the United Nations, no one has human rights except those with fair skin. The [Hamas] brave-hearts in Gaza have created a new history. Will jihad not be obligatory even after seeing more than 55,000 Muslims being slaughtered?"[10] Mufti Taqi Usmani added: "The founder of Pakistan [M.A. Jinnah] had called [Israel] an illegitimate child. Our position will not change under any circumstances, no matter how much power Israel gets. When we do not have any pact with Israel, there is no excuse [for Jihad]. Muslim countries should know that when it has broken agreements, then by what agreement are you bound?"[11] The Islamic religious scholar also said: "The U.S. Secretary of State has said that no matter how many Muslims Israel kills, we will not stop supporting it. After Israel, America has also broken its agreements. We do not say to launch a nuclear attack on anyone. Governments have a thousand ways; they should realize that jihad is our duty."[12] Earlier, on February 5, to mark the Kashmir Solidarity Day, several events were held in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir by militant groups and the Pakistani military and government. These events were also attended and addressed by jihadi commanders and Hamas leaders. One of the biggest events was held in the town of Rawalakot in Pakistani Kashmir. Hamas spokespersons Dr. Khalid Qaddoumi and Dr. Naji Zaheer, along with Hamas leaders Mufti Azam and Bilal Alsallat, participated in the event, according to an Indian media report.[13] The event was also attended by Talha Saif, brother of Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM) emir Maulana Masood Azhar, JeM commander Asghar Khan Kashmiri, senior Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) commander Masood Ilyas, and other top LeT commanders. Jihadi leaders address a rally in Rawalakot, Pakistani Kashmir, on February 5, 2025. "The entire event was an effort to build a narrative to equate the Gaza Strip with Jammu and Kashmir," Indian media outlet News 18 reported.[14] "The conference had been organised to spin a common tale of Pakistan and Palestine as well-knit united fronts against Israel and India," the report said.[15] In a video of the Rawalakot event available on the internet, several militant leaders can be seen delivering speeches.[16] One militant leader, speaking Urdu, warns India: "I want to tell [Indian Home Minister] Amit Shah that the mujahideen of Kashmir and Palestine have become united…"[17] Not far from Rawalakot, on the same day in Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistani Kashmir, Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir and Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif attended another conference to mark Kashmir Solidarity Day. Speaking on the occasion, General Asim Munir warned India, saying: "Today, tomorrow, the day after tomorrow, or in the near future, you may commit atrocities in occupied Kashmir, but this will not go on forever. The decision of Kashmir must be made by the people of Kashmir, not by any occupying force in Kashmir. Three wars have been fought for Kashmir, and if ten more need to be fought, we will fight, Allah willing."[18] He made these remarks at the at the martyrs' memorial in Muzaffarabad. In his speech to mark Kashmir Solidarity Day, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed support for Kashmiris, saying: "Pakistan will continue to offer its unwavering moral, diplomatic, and political support to the Kashmiri people till the realization of their right to self-determination."[19] Pakistan Army Chief Gen. Asim Munir (third from left) attends an event in Muzaffarabad on February 5, 2025, held as part of the Kashmir Solidarity Day commemorations On April 13, just three days later, another public rally on the theme of "Solidarity with Gaza" was organized by JeIP on Shahrah-e-Faisal Road in Karachi. Addressing the protestors, Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) Emir Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman said: "Israel is committing genocide of Palestinians in Gaza, while Pakistan's political leadership and the international community remain silent. PML-N, PPP, and PTI must also raise their voices for Gaza and condemn the U.S. and Israel."[20] PML-N refers to Pakistan Muslim League (N) Party of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, while PPP stands for Pakistan's People Party led by Bilawal Bhutto, son of President Asif Zardari, and PTI for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan. Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman further said: "[Israel] has shredded the United Nations charter. Even today, Israel cannot face Hamas. The brutality in Gaza has exposed the true face of Western leaders. Even in the U.S., 50 percent of people support Palestine. Every child around the world is expressing solidarity with the people of Gaza. All political parties should condemn Israel."[21] The JeI leader reminded the protestors that Pakistan's first Prime Minister Liaquat Ali Khan was asked to recognize Israel, but he replied: "Our foundation is not for sale" – referring to the religious foundation of the newly created Islamic state of Pakistan.[22] JeI, which is the largest religious organization in Pakistan, also held a nationwide shutter-down strike, in which shops and other businesses close to halt commercial activity as a form of protest, on April 27 to signal popular consensus and pressure the government into adopting a firmer anti-Israel stance.[23] Business centers remained closed in most cities including Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and Quetta. Lawyers in various cities also observed a complete strike and boycotted court proceedings. Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman, addressed a press conference at the Jamaat headquarters Mansoorah in Lahore, where he declared the nationwide shutter-down strike as successful, stating that the success of the strike was a proof that the entire Pakistani nation stands against Israel and India.[24] The strike was held just five days after the April 22 jihadi terror attack at Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir in which more than two dozen Hindu males were shot dead.[25] JeI emir Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman raises slogans during the Gaza Million March on April 20, held to express solidarity with Palestinians As part of the April 27 nationwide strike, local JeI leaders in the city of Hyderabad, Pakistan's Sindh province, held a Press Conference in front of the Hyderabad Press Club. On this occasion, Hafiz Tahir Majeed, the Emir of JeI for Hyderabad district, and other JeI leader Aqeel Ahmad Khan, Abdu Quayyum Sheikh, Muhammad Hanif Sheikh, Abdul Basit Khan, and Hafiz Sufiyan Nasir were present. According to a report in the Urdu daily Roznama Jasarat, Hafiz Tahir Majeed said: "Today's strike was a referendum that has told the entire world that we are standing shoulder to shoulder with Palestine. I salute the citizens of Hyderabad, whose hearts beat with the Muslims of Gaza."[26] "America, Israel, and India play the role of security guards – they have destroyed the peace and order of the entire world," he said, adding: "With America's support, Israel is planning to destroy Gaza. The fate of America, Israel, and India is bringing them toward Pakistan."[27] Hafiz Tahir Majeed slammed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for terminating the Indus Water Treaty. "If India shows an eye to Pakistan, we have the capability to gouge out both its eyes. We will wipe India from the map. Tomorrow we have to take back Delhi, which belonged to Muslims. Insha'Allah, very soon Pakistan's flag will unfurl over Delhi."[28] The JeI leader said: "The world will see that India, Israel, and America will not find two metres of land on earth. After Pharaoh, they are the people who will be most ashamed in the world."[29] Hafiz Tahir Majeed also accused Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians, adding: "On the issue of Gaza, the entire Pakistani nation stands in unison… If Islamic countries do not make joint efforts regarding a ceasefire, the situation will not be in anybody's control."[30] JeI leaders in Hyderabad city talk to the media on April 27 In Lahore, on April 13, Pakistan's leading religious scholar Hafiz Tahir Ashrafi, chairman of the Pakistan Ulema Council, addressed a Press Conference where he called for the boycott of Israeli products. "We must boycott Israeli products. We want a free Palestinian state. The elders of the entire Muslim world should be gathered in Mecca [to formulate a joint response on Israel]," he said and also expressed support for an independent Kashmir.[31] Calling for "practical steps" for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, Hafiz Tahir Ashrafi said: "The army, government, and people of Pakistan stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of Palestine. Palestine and Gaza are ours – they were and will remain so… Our hearts are with the people of Palestine. May Allah grant freedom to the people of Palestine and Kashmir."[32] He added: "Palestine belongs to the people of Palestine, and no conspiracy to expel the people of Gaza from their land can be accepted. The government and various organizations are sending aid for the people of Palestine. We have remained peaceful in our protest demonstrations. At this time, there is a need to unite the Muslim Ummah, and we appeal to all Muslims to pray."[33] One of the largest anti-Israel protests was organized by JUI-F on May 15 in Quetta, the capital of Baluchistan. Addressing the protestors, JUI-F leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman said: "The alliance between India and Israel is part of history. The Modi government, acting as an Israeli representative, carried out attacks in Pakistan but we took revenge for Gaza by giving a befitting reply."[34] It should be noted that in response to the April 22 terror attack in Kashmir, India launched strikes at nine terror centres in Pakistan on May 7, leading to a four-day war with Pakistan.[35] "Israel has been Pakistan's enemy from Day One," Maulana Fazlur Rehman said, adding: "The rulers of Israel were busy in a rabbit's dream but we opposed Israel from Day One and will continue to do so in future, while Jews and Hindus are one…"[36] He added: "Pakistan should be cautious of the India-Israel axis. If Muslim rulers gather courage, then Israel's power can be eliminated."[37] * Mantasha Ansari is a Research Assistant at MEMRI's South Asia Studies Project.
Memri
5 hours ago
- Politics
- Memri
In Speeches, Pakistan Army Chief Gen. Asim Munir Warns India: 'Three Wars Have Been Fought For Kashmir, And If Ten More Need To Be Fought...'; 'Kashmir Will Become Pakistan'
In recent months, Pakistan Army chief General Asim Munir delivered at least four major speeches – two of which appear to have triggered the April 22 jihadi terror attack at Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir – and in the remaining two he engaged in denial about the rights of the people of Balochistan and warned India that Pakistan will never compromise on Kashmir.[1] The April 22, 2025, terror attack at Pahalgam, in which male Hindu tourists were singled out and shot dead by jihadi terrorists. India launched airstrikes on the night of May 6-7 on nine terror shelters in Pakistan and Pakistan-controlled Kashmir[2] resulting in a four-day Pakistan-India war before a ceasefire agreement was reached.[3] The Kashmir attack seems to have been directly caused by a speech Munir delivered exactly a week earlier on April 15 in Islamabad to an audience of overseas Pakistanis in which he said that Hindus and Muslims are different nations, that Muslims belong to a superior ideology and a superior culture, and that Kashmir will remain the jugular vein of Pakistan. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif (third from left) and Army Chief General Asim Munir (second from right) addressed the grand jirga of tribal elders in Quetta, Balochistan, on June 1, 2025 Another major speech by Munir, which seems to have contributed to the terror attack at Pahalgam in Kashmir, was delivered on February 5, 2025, the annual Kashmir Solidarity Day, in Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistan-controlled Kashmir. Munir was blunt in his warning to India, the severity of which should have alerted Indian leadership that something major was going to happen in Kashmir, namely the April 22 attack at Pahalgam. In the speech, he warned India that "three wars have been fought for Kashmir, and if ten more need to be fought, we will fight, Allah willing." Following the May 7-10, 2025 Pakistan-India war, the Pakistan army chief, who has now been promoted to the rank of field marshall, has delivered two speeches. In one, he addressed Pakistani educators on May 29, saying: "It is no longer possible for India to suppress the Kashmir dispute as it is a global issue." He reiterated his warning: "India must understand that Pakistan will neither forget Kashmir nor abandon it." In the second speech, on June 1, Munir addressed an assembly of tribal elders from Balochistan in Quetta, the capital city. Addressing the delegates, Munir blamed India for supporting Baloch nationalists, who are fighting for the independence of Balochistan, and said: "This Indian-sponsored proxy war is no longer hidden." Following are excerpts from the four speeches: Munir On June 1: "The Pakistan Army, With The Unwavering Support Of The Nation And The Brave Baloch People, Will Confront And Crush Every Enemy" Addressing a grand jirga of tribal elders on June 1, 2025, in Quetta, the capital of Balochistan, Munir said: "This Indian-sponsored proxy war is no longer hidden; it is an open malicious act of terrorism waged on our people, our progress, and our peace. We have concrete proof of India's hand behind terrorist networks operating in Balochistan."[4] "These nefarious attempts of the enemy will fail. The Pakistan Army, with the unwavering support of the nation and the brave Baloch people, will confront and crush every enemy, foreign or domestic, that dares to challenge our sovereignty," Munir said.[5] According to a statement released by the Office of the Prime Minister, "the jirga concluded with a unanimous pledge from tribal elders to stand shoulder to shoulder with the government and the armed forces, reaffirming their commitment to peace, security, and development in Balochistan."[6] Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who spoke alongside the army chief, told the gathering: "The enemies of peace will find no space to operate within Pakistan. Our message to them is clear: the government, armed forces, law enforcement agencies and administrative apparatus, with the complete backing of the people, will take the nation's fight against terrorism to its logical conclusion – defeating terrorism in a decisive manner."[7] Munir On May 29: "Pakistan Was Blessed As It Got Help From Allah Almighty During The Marka-e-Haq [The Battle Of Truth, i.e., The May 7-10 War With India]" Munir, addressing vice-chancellors from various universities, principals, and senior educators on May 29, 2025 – made it "thoroughly clear that Pakistan would never make any compromise on the Kashmir dispute" and added that "India must understand that Pakistan will neither forget Kashmir nor abandon it."[8] Warning that "it is no longer possible for India to suppress the Kashmir dispute as it is a global issue," the Pakistan army chief said that "Pakistan would never accept India's hegemony" and in a criticism of India's suspension of the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) said that water is a "red line" for Pakistan and it cannot compromise on the fundamental right of 240 million Pakistanis.[9] According to a Pakistani media report, he said that "Pakistan was blessed as it got help from Allah almighty during the Marka-e-Haq [the Battle of Truth, i.e., the May 7-10, 2025, war with India]" and rejected India's concern that Pakistan was sponsoring terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, stating that "terrorism is India's internal issue, which is primarily caused by increasing oppression and discrimination against minorities, especially Muslims."[10] Munir rejected the struggle of Baloch nationalist fighters, saying that "terrorists in Balochistan were backed by India and they have no connection with Baloch."[11] Munir On April 15: "Don't You Ever Forget That You Belong To A Superior Ideology And A Superior Culture"; "[Kashmir] Was Our Jugular Vein, It Is Our Jugular Vein – We Will Not Forget It" Speaking on April 15, Munir told Pakistanis living overseas and gathered at a convention in Islamabad that Islamic civilization is superior to the West, stating: "Our beloved [ones] who are [based] overseas, because you live in different civilizations, don't you ever forget that you belong to a superior ideology and a superior culture."[12] April 15: General Asim Munir addresses overseas Pakistanis in Islamabad This speech – a full translation of which was published by MEMRI – was delivered only one week before the April 22 terror attacks at Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir. Addressing Pakistanis based overseas, the Pakistan army chief outlined a religious ideological position against India and Hindus, saying: "You must tell the story of Pakistan to your children so that they do not forget the story of Pakistan. Our forefathers thought that we are different from the Hindus in every possible aspect of life. Our religion is different. Our customs are different. Our traditions are different. Our thoughts are different. Our ambitions are different. That was the foundation of the Two-Nation Theory that was laid there, that we are two nations, we are not one nation."[13] Munir added: "Our stance, government's stance on Kashmir is absolutely clear; it was our jugular vein, it is our jugular vein. We will not forget it. And we will not leave our Kashmiri brethren in their heroic struggle that they are waging against the Indian occupation. We have fought three wars for Kashmir."[14] Munir On February 5: "The Bond Between Kashmir And Pakistan Is Inseparable. Kashmir Was, And Will Always Remain, A Part Of Pakistan" Earlier on February 5, 2025, Munir delivered another speech in Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistani Kashmir, to mark the Kashmir Solidarity Day. Reiterating a statement by Pakistan's founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah that "Kashmir is the jugular vein of Pakistan," the army chief warned India: "Cutting the jugular vein from the body means the end of life. Muslims are never impressed by the number of enemies or weapons. Allah's group [of Muslim fighters] will always prevail based on faith, piety, and jihad in the way of Allah."[15] In the speech, a translation of which was published by MEMRI, Munir stated: "The flame of freedom has been passed down from one generation of Kashmiris to the next. If we remain united and strong, we can overcome every challenge. Allah almighty has blessed the land of Kashmir with natural beauty and resources."[16] February 5, 2025: Pakistan army chief Munir speaks in Muzaffarabad Pakistani media reports show that Munir was more blunt in his warning to India, stating: "Today, tomorrow, the day after tomorrow, or in the near future, you may commit atrocities in occupied Kashmir, but this will not go on forever. The decision of Kashmir must be made by the people of Kashmir, not by any occupying force in Kashmir. Three wars have been fought for Kashmir, and if ten more need to be fought, we will fight, Allah willing."[17] The army chief declared that ultimately Kashmir will become part of Pakistan. "Kashmir will become Pakistan. The bond between Kashmir and Pakistan is inseparable. Kashmir was, and will always remain, a part of Pakistan."[18] Munir added: "Indian atrocities [in Kashmir] and the rising Hindutva extremism [targeting Muslims in India] further strengthen the Kashmiri people's struggle for self-determination. Pakistan will always stand with the people of Kashmir in their legitimate and rightful cause against state oppression and tyranny. And surely, one day, Kashmir will be free and, according to the independent will and destiny of its people, will become a part of Pakistan."[19]
India Gazette
3 days ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
Great sympathy and understanding in UK for what India has gone through due to cross-border terrorism: Indian envoy Doraiswami
London [UK], June 4 (ANI): India's High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Vikram Doraiswami, has said that there is great sympathy and understanding in the UK for what India has suffered due to cross-border terrorism that has emanated from Pakistan and Pakistan-controlled territory. In an interview with ANI, Doraiswami emphasised that India's ties with the UK have gained traction. The UK's approach to challenges that have persisted in South Asia has been much more understanding of India's concerns and more willing to respect that these problems need to be solved by India and Pakistan. Responding to questions about the all-party Indian delegation's meetings in the UK, Doraiswami said, 'I don't want to put words into either our parliamentarians' mouths or those of our British friends, but I think there was a great deal of receptivity to the message. There is great sympathy and understanding in the UK for what India has gone through in terms of our long and painful journey with cross-border terrorism that has emanated from Pakistan-controlled territory and the state of Pakistan. There is a great sense of understanding of the anger and hurt in India that this scourge just doesn't go away.' 'That said, of course, the UK has its own position. It's a sovereign government. It will take its own decisions, but in the last decade and more, we see a steady evolution as our relationship with the UK has gained weight, traction, and strategic dimensions. The UK's approach to challenges that have long persisted in South Asia has been much more understanding of our concerns, much more willing to respect the fact that these are problems that have to be solved by India and Pakistan and indeed all other problems in the region by the region. And that India's rise is, in broader terms, the greatest benefit of the Indo-Pacific region and the world as a whole. So, that sense comes through to all our parliamentarians,' he added. Doraiswami emphasised that the all-party delegation's visit was aimed at conveying the sentiments of Indian citizens, and India welcomed the international community's understanding of the country's need to ensure national security. When asked about the Indian delegation's expectations from the UK, he said, 'I shouldn't, we should never set out expectations of a friend. We have come here as far as I can understand from our parliamentary leaders, the people of India as representatives, that we are not here to seek favour from anybody. We are here to explain our position. We are here to point out what the people of India feel, and of course. We welcome the fact that our partners understand what we have to do, but we will do what we need to do to secure the people of India, any government of India, the current government in particular, are committed and will always remain committed to do whatever is necessary to secure our people, and that message has landed.' The all-party delegation, led by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Ravi Shankar Prasad, was in the UK to garner widespread support for India's fight against terrorism and to expose Pakistan's role in fostering terrorism. The delegation led by Ravi Shankar Prasad includes BJP MPs Daggubati Purandeswari and Samik Bhattacharya, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi, Congress MPs Ghulam Ali Khatana and Amar Singh, former Union Minister MJ Akbar, and former Ambassador Pankaj Saran. During the visit, they met with the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG)-India. They addressed the media there, during which the delegation delivered a strong message on the global threat of terrorism, highlighting Pakistan's misuse of international funds to support terrorism and arms proliferation. The delegation also received widespread support from British parliamentarians, think tanks, and the Indian diaspora for India's democratic unity and firm stance against terrorism. They were welcomed by APPG India President Sandy Verma, and the meeting was co-chaired by UK MPs Lord Karan Bilimoria and Jeevun Sandher. Many current and former MPs, including Lord Ed Vaizey, Bob Blackman, Barry Gardiner, Gurinder Singh Josan, Gagan Mohindra, Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi, Kanishka Narayan, Shailesh Vara, Baggy Shanker, Mark Pritchard and others also joined the discussion. Ravi Shankar Prasad stated that during their time in the UK, the delegation met with key UK figures, including the Speaker of the House of Commons and Shadow Foreign Secretary Priti Patel, emphasising the need for international accountability on terrorism financing amidst appreciation for India's democratic approach. Prasad highlighted the global concern over terrorism as a 'cancer' and called for scrutiny of Pakistan's use of international funds, noting the novelty of the all-party delegation initiative. 'This has been really good. Our visit to England concludes today. We held a press conference at the India House here; we met the Speaker of the House of Commons this morning. We met the Chairman of the Conservative Party yesterday; we also met Shadow Foreign Secretary Priti Patel. We also met Indian Friends in the Labour Party... We also interacted with Think Tanks. All of them are concerned that terrorism is a cancer... We also said that they (Pakistan) get loans from the IMF and World Bank and they get other funding too. So, is the funding being used for terrorism and weapon purchases or for the poor? This should be asked of them... Everyone said one more thing: that the all-party Parliamentary delegation visit is a new initiative,' Prasad said. The delegation met UK Minister for Citizenship and Migration and Minister for Equalities Seema Malhotra at the UK Parliament. The delegation also held a meeting with the UK's Shadow Foreign Secretary, Priti Patel, and her team on Sunday to share India's firm resolve to counter cross-border terrorism. In a post on X, the Indian High Commission in the UK stated, 'The All-Party Parliamentary Delegation met with Shadow Foreign Secretary @pritipatel and her team to share India's firm resolve in combating cross-border terrorism. They also highlighted how #OperationSindoor exemplifies the new normal set by India in this ongoing effort.' An all-party delegation, led by BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad, visited London as part of India's global outreach program to convey the country's firm stance against terrorism. (ANI)
Nikkei Asia
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Nikkei Asia
India government taps opposition to boost 'anti-terrorism' message abroad
NEW DELHI -- India is sending all-party delegations comprising members of the ruling and opposition parties and former diplomats to over 30 countries starting on Wednesday to convey New Delhi's "strong message of zero tolerance against terrorism" in the wake of the deadly April 22 attack on civilians in Pahalgam in its region of Kashmir. The attack that left 26 people dead heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, with New Delhi launching Operation Sindoor on May 7, in which India targeted what it called "terrorist infrastructure" in Pakistan and Pakistan-controlled Kashmir. Both militaries later used drones and missiles against each other before a ceasefire was announced on May 10.
India Gazette
20-05-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
India rejects US claims over Pakistan ceasefire
An Indian official has dismissed American claims of mediation in the recent military standoff The US was "neither involved nor informed" about the ceasefire between India and Pakistan, a top Indian bureaucrat told a parliamentary committee on Monday, according to a report in The Hindu. When asked by an MP as to why US President Donald Trump had announced the cessation of hostilities even before India and Pakistan did, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri rebutted the suggestions of American mediation, according to the report. He said conversations with US officials were ongoing during the recent military standoff and that they were part of a routine process. The South Asian neighbors engaged in major hostilities after India launched strikes on suspected terrorist facilities in Pakistan-controlled territory on May 7, in response to a terror attack in Indian-administered Kashmir in April. Even before New Delhi and Islamabad could make a ceasefire announcement, Trump claimed that Washington had helped mediate a truce between them on May 10. The US president reiterated those claims in a press briefing last week where he said his administration was instrumental in brokering the ceasefire, and that he was confident it would last. Indian Ambassador to Russia Vinay Kumar told RT in an exclusive interview that India's zero tolerance for terrorism and ability to react to Pakistani moves is what led to a ceasefire between the South Asian neighbors after four days of intense fighting. "We responded to the terror attack and Pakistan, instead of understanding the gravity of the situation, decided to escalate," Kumar said, adding that India countered "every" attempt at escalation from its neighbor. READ MORE: Pakistan was forced to call for ceasefire - Indian ambassador Indian Foreign Ministry officials have further clarified that New Delhi has responded through proper channels to all of Trump's statements. When addressing the parliamentary panel on Monday, Misri also reiterated the Indian government's stance that there was no deviation from the stated policy of no third-party mediation in bilateral matters with Pakistan.
