Hyderabad (Telangana) [India]: All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) Chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Monday responded sharply to Pakistani cricketer Shahid Afridi’s comments on the recent Pahalgam terror attack, branding him a “joker.”
Afridi had alleged that India was responsible for making “blunders” in Pahalgam, further claiming that “India carries out terrorism itself and then blames Pakistan.”
In reaction to Afridi’s remarks, Owaisi said, “Who is he? Do not mention the names of such jokers in front of me. Forget about these people.”
Additionally, the Hyderabad MP called for Pakistan to be placed back on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list, citing its alleged role in financing terrorism with illicit funds. The recent attack in Pahalgam, which resulted in the deaths of 26 people, has reignited concerns about cross-border terrorism.
Speaking to reporters at an event, Owaisi said, “It is my demand that Pakistan must be placed back on the FATF grey list. They are financing terrorism with illegal money, so it is necessary to put Pakistan back on the FATF grey list. Under international law, we can impose a naval and air force blockade. Under Article 51 of the United Nations, the right to self-defence is granted. In the Indian Constitution, Article 355 states that if there is external aggression against any state, it is the government’s responsibility to counter it.”
Pakistan was previously on the FATF grey list from June 2018 to October 2022. The FATF is an international watchdog that combats money laundering and terrorist financing, maintaining black and grey lists of countries failing to meet global standards.
The Pahalgam attack, which occurred on April 22, is one of the deadliest incidents in the Kashmir Valley since the 2019 Pulwama attack, where 40 CRPF personnel lost their lives. In response to the recent violence, India has initiated several strong measures against Pakistan, including suspending provisions of the Indus Water Treaty.