Islamabad: In startling revelation, Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary Syrus Sajjad Qazi disclosed that India was involved in recent target killing incidents within country. Qazi asserted that evidence, including financial transactions and confessions from perpetrators, pointed to involvement of Indian citizens in orchestrating murders.

During press briefing at Foreign Office, Qazi stated, “We have confirmed evidence that two Pakistani citizens were killed by India. Confirmed links of killer to India have been found.” Foreign Secretary identified alleged perpetrators as Ashok Kumar and Yogesh Kumar, claiming they had paid agents to carry out targeted killings.

Qazi provided specific details about two incidents, citing case of Shahid Latif, Pakistani citizen allegedly killed by Indian national Yogesh Kumar.

According to Foreign Secretary, Yogesh Kumar hired local assassin, Umair, to carry out killing. Law enforcement agencies apprehended Umair and his associates on October 12, 2023, as they attempted to flee country. Second case involved killing of Muhammad Riaz in Rawalakot. Investigation revealed that Abdullah Ali, another paid assassin was responsible for Riaz’s death on September 8 previous year.

Foreign Secretary Qazi emphasised that Indian agents had received money for these murders, stating, “India should be held accountable at international level.”

He highlighted celebration of killings on Indian social media platforms and pointed to admissions from arrested target killers, Umair and Abdullah, as well as evidence of money transfers into their accounts. Qazi maintained that India had not limited such activities to Pakistan, asserting that neighbouring country had also violated international laws in Canada and United States in past. He drew attention to ongoing case of Kulbhushan Jadhav in International Court of Justice, reinforcing Pakistan’s stance against alleged Indian interference. “Killing of Sikh leader in Canada is just one example of India’s global operations,” Qazi remarked.

Published in The Daily National Courier, January, 26 2024

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