Asaduddin Owaisi Takes Aim at Pakistan in Algeria: “Terrorist Lakhvi Became a Father in Jail”

Algiers, Algeria | June 1, 2025 —
In a fiery address to the Indian diaspora in Algeria, AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi launched a bold and direct attack on Pakistan’s record of harboring terrorists, drawing international attention by citing a controversial case involving Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, a mastermind of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.

While addressing a packed hall of expatriates and Indian embassy officials in Algiers, Owaisi stated:

“It is in the interest of global peace to control Pakistan. This is the same country where a terrorist like Lakhvi became a father while supposedly being locked up. What does that say about the so-called imprisonment?”

His remarks sparked applause and murmurs among attendees, many of whom have ties to Mumbai and vividly recall the horrors of the 2008 attacks that killed over 160 people.

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Context: Why Owaisi Chose Algeria for This Message

The AIMIM leader was on a week-long goodwill visit to North Africa, meeting Indian community members, business leaders, and attending cultural diplomacy events. His remarks in Algeria were part of a larger campaign aimed at raising international awareness about state-sponsored terrorism in South Asia.

Owaisi has often been a vocal critic of both religious extremism and geopolitical double standards, but this is the first time he has made such strong statements about Pakistan while abroad. The symbolism of Algeria—a country with a history of fighting extremism and colonial oppression—was not lost on the audience or analysts.

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The Lakhvi Reference: A Stinging Example

Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, the Lashkar-e-Taiba operations commander, was one of the main accused in the 2008 Mumbai attacks. Though detained in Pakistan under international pressure, he was often alleged to be living in comfort, with reports even suggesting he fathered a child while officially behind bars—an allegation that drew international scrutiny but never official admission from Islamabad.

“Pakistan’s justice system isn’t just broken. It’s willingly complicit,” Owaisi said. “While victims mourn, the accused enjoy impunity and perks.”

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India’s Longstanding Concerns

Owaisi’s comments align with New Delhi’s longstanding assertion that Pakistan offers safe havens to terror outfits, including Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and others. His statements lend weight to India’s narrative on the global stage, especially coming from a prominent Muslim political leader, whose voice carries unique moral credibility in such matters.

“When leaders like Owaisi speak out, it helps neutralize Pakistan’s propaganda about India’s so-called Islamophobia,” said Professor Faizan Rizvi, a geopolitical analyst.

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Political Reactions Back Home

Reactions in India have ranged from supportive to critical, depending on the political lens.

• BJP leaders, including Union Minister Meenakshi Lekhi, welcomed the remarks, saying: “Even Owaisi now realizes what Pakistan truly is. It’s high time more Indian leaders speak clearly on this.”

• Congress spokespersons praised the global messaging but cautioned against “mixing diplomacy with communal narratives.”

The Hyderabad-based AIMIM, meanwhile, issued a statement clarifying that Owaisi’s comments were not aimed at any community, but rather at governments and institutions that protect extremism under the guise of sovereignty.

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International Echoes: A Broader Movement?

Owaisi’s remarks come at a time when several nations are reassessing their ties with Pakistan in light of rising cross-border militancy and internal Taliban influence. His speech may add pressure on countries in the Middle East and Africa—regions where Pakistan enjoys traditional support—to revisit their stance on terrorism diplomacy.

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Conclusion: A Strategic Speech with Far-Reaching Ripples

Asaduddin Owaisi’s address in Algeria marked a bold turn in his political positioning—one that may strengthen his standing both within India and on the international stage. By calling out Pakistan with conviction and data, while standing in a neutral nation, he succeeded in reframing the terrorism discourse beyond nationalistic narratives.

Whether this signals a new phase in his political journey or an isolated international remark remains to be seen. What’s clear is that the ghost of 26/11 still casts a long shadow, and voices like Owaisi’s are now joining the call for accountability louder than ever.