Is Hafiz Abdur Rauf Just a Family Man or a Terrorist Leader?
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Synopsis
The recent funeral led by Hafiz Abdur Rauf, a US-designated terrorist, raises serious concerns about Pakistan's support for terrorism. With military officials in attendance and conflicting narratives, the incident has sparked outrage and questions about the country's role in fostering extremist activities.
Key Takeaways
- Hafiz Abdur Rauf is a US-designated terrorist.
- His funeral was attended by senior Pakistani military officials.
- The event has sparked outrage and debate internationally.
- Rauf is linked to funding and managing operations for Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).
- Pakistan's narrative attempts to downplay his terrorist affiliations.
New Delhi, May 12 (NationPress) Pakistan has attempted to refute the characterization of Hafiz Abdur Rauf, who presided over the funeral of terrorists slain in the recent Operation Sindoor, as a US-designated global terrorist and prominent leader of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). Instead, they have depicted him as merely a common family man.
In a display of military solidarity, senior Pakistani military officials were present at the funeral, with coffins adorned in the national flag, reinforcing what Indian authorities assert is the state's explicit endorsement of terrorism.
During a press conference in New Delhi, Indian representatives showed a photo of Rauf leading the funeral procession alongside uniformed officers of the Pakistan Army.
This image has sparked significant debate and outrage. Rauf, brother of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar, is identified as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist under OFAC sanctions, with a documented history of overseeing LeT finances and propaganda.
Pakistan's military has sought to minimize the situation, with the DGISPR branding Rauf as a common family man and a preacher. They presented his national ID card to the media, portraying him as a non-combatant.
However, official records, including Rauf's CNIC number (35202-5400413-9) and birthdate (March 25, 1973), correspond with those in the US sanctions list.
During a recent briefing regarding Operation Sindoor, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri challenged Pakistan's narrative while displaying the incriminating photo, stating, "They assert that only civilians were killed in the attacks on May 7. We have clarified that all strikes on that morning targeted specific terrorist infrastructures and objectives."
Pakistan's military has further complicated matters by confusing Hafiz Abdur Rauf with Abdul Rauf Azhar, another of Masood Azhar's brothers and a senior commander of Jaish-e-Mohammed, who was reportedly killed in Operation Sindoor.
Questions have arisen about how someone declared deceased by India could lead a funeral shortly thereafter. Nevertheless, the two are different individuals, both on international watchlists and deeply entrenched in Pakistan's terrorism network.
Rauf Azhar, the operations chief of JeM, was instrumental in the planning of the 1999 IC-814 hijacking and played a significant role in the 2001 Parliament attack, 2016 Pathankot airbase strike, and 2019 Pulwama bombing.
The presence of high-ranking Pakistani officials at the funeral further substantiates claims of institutional support for terrorism.
Notable attendees included Lt Gen Fayyaz Hussain Shah, Maj Gen Rao Imran Sartaj, Brig Mohammad Furqan Shabbir, Punjab IGP Dr Usman Anwar, and Punjab MLA Malik Sohaib Ahmed Bherth.
As per the US Treasury, Hafiz Abdur Rauf operated directly under LeT chief Hafiz Saeed, overseeing fundraising and training initiatives. He has also played a pivotal role in the Falah-e-Insaniyat Foundation (FIF), an LeT front masquerading as a charity to finance terrorist operations.
Both FIF and Rauf were sanctioned by the US on November 24, 2010, following intelligence reports after the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.
The visuals from Muridke, where the funeral took place, suggest a state-sanctioned event rather than a private religious ceremony.
“It is unclear to us, given some of the coverage of the aftermath of these strikes, including the funerals for the terrorists held yesterday. Many of you have likely seen reports and media coverage. If only civilians, or if any civilians were killed in these attacks, I wonder what message this image actually conveys to all of you. This is a question worth considering,” Misri stated while displaying a photograph of Lashkar-e-Taiba's commander leading the funeral prayers for LeT terrorists killed in Indian airstrikes in Muridke.
This situation exemplifies how Pakistan protects designated terrorist groups and promotes terrorism.
Point of View
It is essential to present the facts surrounding Hafiz Abdur Rauf without preconceived notions. The ongoing situation highlights the complexities of Pakistan's military relationships with designated terrorist organizations, demanding scrutiny and responsible reporting.
NationPress
19/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Hafiz Abdur Rauf?
Hafiz Abdur Rauf is a leader of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and a US-designated global terrorist. He is known for his involvement in managing LeT operations and propaganda.
What is Operation Sindoor?
Operation Sindoor refers to a series of strikes conducted by Indian forces targeting terrorist infrastructures in Pakistan.
Why is Pakistan defending Rauf?
Pakistan attempts to portray Rauf as a civilian to diminish the implications of his terrorist affiliations and the presence of military officials at his funeral.
What impact does this funeral have on Pakistan's image?
The attendance of high-ranking military officials at Rauf's funeral raises serious allegations about Pakistan's institutional support for terrorism and its implications on its international standing.
How does the US view Hafiz Abdur Rauf?
The US Treasury has designated Hafiz Abdur Rauf as a global terrorist due to his significant role in financing and managing LeT operations.
