Shehbaz Sharif Dodges Hafiz Saeed Questions at UNGA Amid Allegations of State-Sponsored Terror

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif faced repeated questions from journalists about Lashkar-e-Taiba founder Hafiz Muhammad Saeed during his visit to the United Nations headquarters in New York, but did not respond to the queries. Sharif was in New York for the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly when reporters approached him as he entered the UN premises. Journalists questioned the Pakistani leader about his government's position on individuals accused of involvement in terrorism and asked when Islamabad would take action against Hafiz Saeed.

The prime minister did not answer the questions and continued into the UN headquarters. Reporters raised the issue again as Sharif left the venue. He was asked whether his government intended to prosecute Saeed, the founder of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). Sharif again declined to comment and walked past the media. Hafiz Muhammad Saeed, who is from Pakistan's Punjab province, is the founder of Lashkar-e-Taiba, an organisation designated as a terrorist group by several countries. He has long been associated with the November 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, in which more than 160 people were killed. India has designated Saeed as a terrorist under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

The issue has gained renewed attention following developments in India's investigation into the April 22, 2025, terror attack in Pahalgam. The National Investigation Agency has alleged that the attack was part of a conspiracy involving Pakistan-based members of Lashkar-e-Taiba. In a supplementary chargesheet filed before the designated court, the agency named Hafiz Muhammad Saeed as an accused in the case.

The development has further intensified India's criticism of Pakistan over alleged activities of terror networks operating from its territory. New Delhi has repeatedly called for stronger action against individuals accused of planning, supporting or facilitating cross-border terrorism. The questions directed at Sharif came shortly after India delivered a strong response to Pakistan at an international UN forum. Exercising India's right of reply at the United Nations Human Rights Council, Indian diplomat Kshitij Tyagi criticised Islamabad over what New Delhi described as its focus on territorial claims and cross-border terrorism.

Tyagi said Pakistan should focus on addressing its economic and domestic challenges instead of pursuing territorial ambitions or activities that, according to India, contribute to instability in neighbouring countries. He also referred to Pakistan's dependence on external financial assistance and argued that confrontation with neighbouring states would not resolve its economic problems. India also raised allegations concerning the human rights situation in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Tyagi referred to protests in the region and alleged that Pakistani authorities had responded with force while restrictions affected access to essential supplies, including food, fuel and medicines.

The Indian diplomat further referred to allegations involving civilian deaths and arrests of students in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. According to India's position at the UNHRC, Pakistan had responded to some of these concerns through procedural objections rather than addressing the allegations directly. The latest exchanges at the United Nations come amid continuing tensions between India and Pakistan over terrorism, Kashmir and human rights. Both countries have continued to present sharply contrasting positions on these issues at international forums.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Indian Defence News.