India’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Vikram Doraiswami, presented a photo that he described as undeniable evidence of Pakistan’s direct involvement in sponsoring terrorism. The image, which shows Pakistani military officials standing behind Hafiz Abdur Rauf—a US-designated terrorist and the brother of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) leader Masood Azhar—was shared with Sky News amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan. The photo was taken at the funeral of terrorists killed by India in the recent Operation Sindoor, where Pakistani flags draped over the coffins signaled the official recognition and support for these militants by Pakistan’s military establishment.
Photo Proof of Pakistan’s Terrorism Sponsorship
During the interview, Vikram Doraiswami highlighted the significance of the photograph, emphasizing that Rauf’s presence, accompanied by Pakistani military officers, showed Pakistan’s active role in supporting terrorism. “If you’re going to be giving terrorists state funerals, what does that make of your system?” Vikram Doraiswami asked, challenging the credibility of Pakistan’s claims about distancing itself from terrorist groups. The image, presented as irrefutable proof, was part of India’s broader effort to expose Pakistan’s state-sponsored terrorism and its military’s complicity.
The photo directly implicates Pakistan in harboring terrorists like Hafiz Abdur Rauf, who is linked to numerous attacks against India, including the 1999 IC-814 hijacking, the 2001 Indian Parliament attack, and the 2016 Pathankot airbase assault. The funeral photo, showing terrorists receiving a state-level tribute, stands as a powerful visual argument to support India’s longstanding claim that Pakistan not only shelters but also endorses terrorists.
India’s Retaliation Following Terror Attacks
This exchange comes after India launched coordinated airstrikes on terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), targeting key locations like the JeM headquarters in Bahawalpur. These airstrikes were a direct response to the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, which claimed 26 lives. Indian authorities made public the details of these airstrikes, with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) also showcasing a graphic of Abdul Rauf Azhar, Masood Azhar’s brother, with the word “eliminated” stamped across his image.
Vikram Doraiswami also pointed out how past international investigations, such as the 2016 Pathankot attack, failed to yield any substantial action from Pakistan. Despite India providing evidence to Pakistan, the latter did not reciprocate the cooperation, further undermining the credibility of Pakistan’s claims for an international investigation.
