Why does Pakistan defend US-designated terrorist Hafiz Abdur Rauf?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In a recent controversy, Pakistan has attempted to defend Hafiz Abdur Rauf, a US-designated global terrorist, who led a funeral for terrorists killed in Operation Sindoor. This incident has sparked outrage and raised questions about Pakistan's support for terrorism.
Key Takeaways
- Hafiz Abdur Rauf leads a funeral for terrorists, raising international concerns.
- Pakistan's military attempts to downplay Rauf's terrorist connections.
- The presence of senior military officials at the funeral reinforces allegations of state support for terrorism.
- Rauf is a known figure in managing finances for Lashkar-e-Taiba.
- Operation Sindoor targeted terrorist infrastructure, contradicting claims of solely civilian casualties.
New Delhi, May 12 (NationPress) Pakistan has attempted to refute the notion that Hafiz Abdur Rauf, who officiated the funeral for terrorists eliminated in the recent Operation Sindoor, is a US-designated global terrorist and prominent leader of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). Authorities from Pakistan have labeled him as merely a common family man.
At the funeral, high-ranking officials from the Pakistani military were seen attending solemnly, and coffins covered in Pakistan's national flag highlighted what Indian representatives described as the state's blatant endorsement of terrorism.
During a press conference in New Delhi, Indian officials presented a photograph of Rauf leading the funeral procession alongside Pakistan Army officers clad in uniform.
This image has rapidly spread online, inciting considerable discussion and indignation. Rauf, brother of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) leader Masood Azhar, is designated by the US Treasury as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist under OFAC sanctions, with a documented history of overseeing LeT's financial and propaganda operations.
Pakistan's military has sought to downplay these facts, with the DGISPR referring to Rauf as a common family man and a preacher. His national identity card was showcased to the media to depict him as a non-combatant.
Nonetheless, official records—including Rauf's CNIC number (35202-5400413-9) and birthdate (March 25, 1973)—align with the details found in the US sanctions.
In a recent media briefing regarding Operation Sindoor, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri challenged Pakistan's narrative while holding up the incriminating photo, asserting, "They claim that only civilians were killed in the strikes on May 7. We have clearly stated that all attacks on that morning targeted specifically chosen terrorist infrastructure and targets?"
The Pakistani military has also attempted to muddy the waters by confusing Hafiz Abdur Rauf with Abdul Rauf Azhar, another brother of Masood Azhar and a senior JeM commander, who was reportedly killed in Operation Sindoor.
They questioned how an individual declared dead by India could lead a funeral on the same day, but the two are distinct individuals, both listed on international watchlists and deeply entrenched in Pakistan's terror network.
Rauf Azhar, the operations chief of JeM, was instrumental in the 1999 IC-814 hijacking and played a pivotal role in the 2001 Parliament attack, the 2016 Pathankot airbase strike, and the 2019 Pulwama bombing.
Additionally, the presence of senior Pakistani military officials at the funeral further reinforced allegations of systematic support for terrorism.
Among the attendees were Lt Gen Fayyaz Hussain Shah, Corps Commander of IV Corps in Lahore; Maj Gen Rao Imran Sartaj, GOC of the 11 Infantry Division; Brig Mohammad Furqan Shabbir, Commander of the 15 Hybrid Mechanized Brigade; Punjab IGP Dr Usman Anwar; and Punjab MLA Malik Sohaib Ahmed Bherth.
According to the US Treasury, Hafiz Abdur Rauf operated directly under LeT leader Hafiz Saeed, managing fundraising and training operations. He has also been a significant figure in the Falah-e-Insaniyat Foundation (FIF), an LeT front group masquerading as a charity but utilized to finance terrorist activities.
Both FIF and Rauf received sanctions from the US on November 24, 2010, following intelligence reports from India after the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.
Images from Muridke, where the funeral took place, depict a state ceremony rather than a private religious observance.
"It is unclear to us, especially after seeing some reports about the aftermath of these strikes, including the funerals for the terrorists held yesterday. Many of you have likely seen the media coverage. If only civilians or if any civilians were killed in these attacks, I question what message this photo actually conveys to all of you. This is a question worth asking," Misri remarked while showing a photograph of Lashkar-e-Taiba's prominent Commander Hafiz Abdur Rauf leading the funeral prayers of LeT terrorists killed in Indian airstrikes in Muridke on Wednesday.
This incident exemplifies how Pakistan protects designated terrorist organizations and cultivates terrorism.
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize that the ongoing narrative surrounding Hafiz Abdur Rauf emphasizes Pakistan's complex relationship with terrorism. While the nation attempts to portray him as a common man, the evidence contradicts that portrayal, reinforcing concerns about institutional support for terrorist activities. This situation warrants serious scrutiny and must be addressed with transparency and accountability.
NationPress
11/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Hafiz Abdur Rauf?
Hafiz Abdur Rauf is a US-designated global terrorist and a senior leader of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). He has been involved in managing LeT's finances and propaganda.
What was Operation Sindoor?
Operation Sindoor refers to a military operation conducted by India targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan, which led to the deaths of several terrorists.
Why is Pakistan defending Rauf?
Pakistan has attempted to downplay Hafiz Abdur Rauf's terrorist designation by portraying him as a common family man, likely to mitigate international backlash.
What is the significance of the funeral?
The funeral led by Rauf, attended by high-ranking military officials, highlights Pakistan's alleged support for terrorism and raises questions about its military's role.
What evidence supports Rauf's terrorist designation?
Official documentation, including Rauf's CNIC number and birthdate, aligns with US sanctions designating him as a terrorist.
