In a rare and brazen public appearance, Saifullah Kasuri, described by security officials as the mastermind of the Pahalgam terror attack and the deputy chief of the Hafiz Saeed-led outfit, has made a series of provocative claims that lay bare the uneasy relationship between proscribed militant networks and elements of the Pakistani establishment.
Addressing school children at a function inside Pakistan, Kasuri spoke with startling candour about his standing and reach. According to those who have reviewed the footage, he claimed that India is &ldquo;scared&rdquo; of his presence, issuing thinly veiled threats against New Delhi while portraying himself as a figure of influence rather than a fugitive militant.
More significantly, Kasuri openly acknowledged what Islamabad has long denied: a working relationship with the Pakistan Army. He told the gathering that he receives formal invitations from the military to attend its events and is even asked to lead funeral prayers for fallen soldiers. Such statements, delivered casually before an audience of children, have sent shockwaves across regional security circles.
Observers note that these admissions directly undercut Pakistan&rsquo;s repeated assurances to the international community that it has severed links with banned organisations and is taking sustained action against terrorism. Instead, Kasuri&rsquo;s words suggest a continuing ecosystem of patronage, where proscribed figures are not only tolerated but, at times, accorded social legitimacy.
The timing of his remarks is also politically charged. In earlier statements, Kasuri had acknowledged that India&rsquo;s Operation Sindoor damaged militant infrastructure, yet he framed the strikes as a &ldquo;mistake&rdquo; by New Delhi and reiterated that his group would &ldquo;never back down from the Kashmir mission.&rdquo; The consistency of this narrative underscores a hardened posture rather than any sign of retreat.
For analysts tracking militancy in South Asia, the episode is revealing. A senior security observer noted that when a wanted militant feels emboldened enough to speak publicly at a school, it signals not merely ideological confidence but also a belief that he enjoys protection on home soil.
Kasuri&rsquo;s remarks have reignited debate about the credibility of Pakistan&rsquo;s counter-terror commitments and the risks posed by the continued mainstreaming of extremist figures. As the video circulates quietly across strategic circles, it is increasingly seen not just as propaganda, but as an unguarded glimpse into a relationship that many have long suspected&mdash;and few have admitted so openly.

Kasuri addresses school gathering in Pakistan

LeT deputy Saifullah Kasuri boasts of army ties, threatens India at school event

Kasuri Claims Expose Militancy Army Nexus Row

LeT deputy Saifullah Kasuri boasts of army ties, threatens India at school event

January 11, 2026 | 16:53 IST