Leaders from the PMML and individuals linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba attended the funeral of Shahid Akhtar in Islamabad on June 24, 2026 [2].

The presence of high-ranking figures from a designated militant organization at a high-profile funeral raises questions about the visibility of such groups within Pakistan. The event drew attention due to the familial connection to former cricketer Shoaib Akhtar.

Shahid Akhtar, the elder brother of the former cricketer, died of a heart attack [1]. The funeral service took place at the H-8 Graveyard in Islamabad [3].

Attendees included several PMML leaders, such as Inam-ur-Rehman Kamboh, Abdullah Toor, Hafiz Umar, and Amjad Bhatti [1]. Reports also identify the presence of Saifullah Kasuri, who has been described as the deputy chief of Lashkar-e-Taiba [3] and the mastermind behind the Pahalgam attack [1].

Kasuri's appearance at the public gathering marks a notable instance of a senior LeT figure appearing in a non-clandestine setting. The intersection of political figures from the PMML and militant-linked individuals at the H-8 Graveyard highlights a complex web of social and political associations in the capital.

While the event was a private mourning for the Akhtar family, the documented presence of these figures suggests a level of social integration for individuals linked to the militant group. The gathering occurred during a period of continued international scrutiny regarding the operational status of Lashkar-e-Taiba within Pakistan.

“Shahid Akhtar, the elder brother of the former cricketer, died of a heart attack.”

The public attendance of Saifullah Kasuri and other LeT-linked individuals at a high-profile funeral in Islamabad suggests that senior members of designated militant groups may maintain significant social and political networks. By appearing alongside PMML leaders, these figures demonstrate a level of visibility and social legitimacy that contrasts with official Pakistani government stances on the suppression of militant organizations.