Shehbaz Sharif's Close Aide Visits Office Of Political Wing Of Hafiz Saeed's Banned Outfit

Last Updated:November 07, 2025, 08:51 IST

Pakistani Minister Talal Chaudhry visited the PMML office, linked to Hafiz Saeed, sparking debate over government ties as PMML grows active after the Pahalgam terror attack.

Political observers have interpreted the meeting as a sign of tacit government endorsement of the group linked to Saeed. (Image: PTI/File)

In a move that has drawn widespread attention, Pakistani Minister Talal Chaudhry, a close aide of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, visited the office of Mumbai terror attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed’s banned political outfit on Thursday.

Senator and Minister of State for Interior, Chaudhry paid a visit to the Pakistan Markazi Muslim League (PMML) office in Faisalabad in Punjab province—around 130 km from Lahore. The PMML is widely regarded as the political front of Hafiz Saeed’s banned Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD).

Chaudhry was received by senior PMML leaders at their headquarters, where the two sides reportedly engaged in detailed discussions on the prevailing political landscape and national challenges. According to a statement released by the PMML, the meeting emphasized the need for political stability, unity, and the continuation of democratic processes across the country. The participants also agreed that, under current circumstances, all political actors should work collectively to strengthen democratic institutions and promote national cohesion.

The visit marks the first time in recent days that a federal minister has officially engaged with the PMML. Political observers have interpreted the meeting as a sign of tacit government endorsement of the group linked to Saeed, who has been serving a prison sentence in Lahore’s Kot Lakhpat Jail since 2019 on multiple terror-financing convictions.

Earlier, Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Ahmad Khan had attended a PMML rally in Kasur district, where he publicly praised Saeed. Following heightened tensions between Pakistan and India after the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives, in May, the PMML has reportedly become increasingly active—raising concerns over its resurgence under what appears to be government protection.

(With PTI inputs)

Manisha Roy

Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com's general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manisha.Roy@nw18...Read More

Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com's general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manisha.Roy@nw18...

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News world Shehbaz Sharif's Close Aide Visits Office Of Political Wing Of Hafiz Saeed's Banned Outfit

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