The funeral of former Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Akhtar‘s elder brother, Shahid Akhtar, has drawn attention after a viral video purportedly showed individuals linked to the Pakistan-based militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) attending the ceremony in Islamabad.
Shahid Akhtar passed away on June 24, and his funeral was held at the H-8 graveyard in Islamabad. Videos circulating on social media reportedly showed Saifullah Kasuri, identified by Indian authorities as a senior LeT functionary, along with other individuals linked to the organisation, at the funeral.
Viral video sparks discussion
The presence of the individuals in the viral footage has generated discussion on social media and renewed attention to concerns about the public visibility of members of banned militant organisations in Pakistan. Indian authorities have previously linked Kasuri to anti-India activities and have identified him as one of the key figures associated with the 2025 Pahalgam terror attack investigation.
The funeral was also reportedly attended by Inam Ur Rehman, president of the Pakistan Markazi Muslim League (PMML), which has been described as the political front associated with LeT.
Renewed focus on regional security
The development comes amid continuing tensions following the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 civilians were killed. The attack was initially claimed by The Resistance Front, which Indian authorities have linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba.
The viral footage has reignited debate over Pakistan’s handling of banned militant organisations and the continued public presence of individuals associated with such groups. Pakistan has not publicly commented on the video at the time of writing