Speaking at a public gathering, Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed said Allah would destroy India if the country ever “looked towards Pakistan.” He went further, declaring that no birds would chirp and no temple bells would ring in India, framing his remarks as a warning that nothing could happen against Pakistan without consequence.
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Shared Stage With LeT-Linked Figures
What makes the event notable is who else was present. Rasheed spoke alongside figures linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, a group designated a terrorist organization by the United Nations and multiple countries. He also praised Hafiz Saeed, LeT’s co-founder, who has long been wanted over his role in militant activity against India.
A US Expulsion Claim
During his remarks, Rasheed claimed he had faced consequences in the United States after Hafiz Saeed’s phone number was allegedly found on his own phone, saying this led to him being expelled from the US. He offered no further detail on the claim.
Not His First Fiery Statement
This isn’t new territory for Rasheed. He has a long history of provocative remarks toward India, including past comments about jihad being a religious duty and warnings of nuclear conflict if hostilities ever escalated. His statements have repeatedly drawn attention for aligning with hardline rhetoric even while he held formal office in Pakistan.
Why It Matters Now
The remarks add to ongoing friction between the two nuclear-armed neighbours, and the presence of LeT-linked individuals at the same event has raised fresh concern over the space given to hardline voices in Pakistan’s public discourse. No official response has been issued by Indian authorities so far.
