In a forceful statement during his ongoing visit to Bahrain, Asaduddin Owaisi, Member of Parliament for the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), launched a sharp attack on Pakistan, calling it a “failed state” due to its continued support for cross-border terrorism. The remarks, made during a multi-party delegation’s interaction with prominent leaders in Manama, come amidst heightened tensions between India and Pakistan over terrorism.
Terrorism Sponsored by Pakistan
Owaisi, who is part of an Indian delegation led by BJP MP Baijayant Panda, stressed that Pakistan’s role in sponsoring terrorist activities against India has resulted in the loss of countless innocent lives. Referring to the April 22 Pahalgam attack, which claimed 26 civilian lives, he condemned the actions of the terrorists, recounting that they had asked for the religion of their victims before executing them—a chilling tactic reminiscent of the brutal tactics used by ISIS in Syria.
He emphasized that these terrorists, backed by Pakistan, have used religion to justify their crimes. “These terrorist organizations have justified the killings of innocent people in India and have quoted Quranic verses out of context… Islam condemns terrorism, and the Quran has categorically stated that the killing of one innocent person is like killing the whole of humankind,” Owaisi stated, underlining that such actions have no place in any faith.
Comparing Pakistani Terrorists to ISIS
Drawing a parallel between the terrorists backed by Pakistan and the infamous Islamic State (ISIS), Owaisi asserted, “There is no difference between these Pakistani terrorists and ISIS in Syria.” His comparison highlighted the global nature of terrorism and Pakistan’s role in perpetuating it. This comparison not only underscored the brutality of the attack but also called attention to the broader international threat posed by groups supported by Pakistan.
India’s Strong Response to Terrorism
Owaisi also affirmed India’s unwavering commitment to protecting its citizens, warning that any future provocations from Pakistan would be met with a response far stronger than anything Islamabad might expect. “Our government has taken all the steps to protect the lives of every Indian. This government has made it very clear… next time you [Pakistan] take up this misadventure, it will be beyond what they are expecting,” Owaisi remarked, referring to India’s robust defense and strategic capabilities.
He emphasized India’s defense strength, noting the country’s cutting-edge air defense systems and military capabilities, which have successfully neutralized threats posed by Pakistan in the past. “India has all the wherewithal, and we have every means necessary to ensure the safety of not only Indian citizens but also every individual residing in India,” Owaisi added.
Bahrain’s Role in Pressuring Pakistan
In his address, Owaisi also urged the Bahrain government to play a proactive role in bringing Pakistan back to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list, citing Islamabad’s continued use of financial aid to fund terrorism. He stated, “I request and hope that the Bahrain government will help us in bringing Pakistan back to the grey list of FATF because this money has been used to support those terrorists.”
Personal Tragedy Amidst the Terrorism
Owaisi’s comments also highlighted the personal toll of terrorism. Reflecting on the Pahalgam attack, he recounted heart-wrenching stories of victims’ families, including that of a woman who had been married for just six days before becoming a widow. Another woman, married only two months prior, also lost her husband in the attack. “Please reflect on the human tragedy of this massacre,” he said, emphasizing the devastating impact of terrorism on ordinary families.
An Ongoing Diplomatic Push
The all-party delegation, which includes several prominent MPs such as Nishikant Dubey, Phangnon Konyak, Rekha Sharma, Satnam Singh Sandhu, Ghulam Nabi Azad, and Ambassador Harsh Shringla, has been tasked with briefing leaders in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Algeria about the dangers of cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan. The delegation’s diplomatic efforts underscore India’s commitment to securing international support in isolating Pakistan financially and diplomatically.
A Call for Global Action
Owaisi’s strong words in Bahrain are a reminder of the ongoing battle against terrorism and the importance of global cooperation in confronting state-sponsored terror. As Pakistan’s support for such activities continues to destabilize the region, India’s efforts to secure international support and bring attention to the human cost of terrorism remain as critical as ever. With leaders like Owaisi vocal about the need for action, the call for accountability and stronger sanctions against Pakistan is likely to echo louder on the international stage.
