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Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has come under public scrutiny after individuals reportedly associated with the Pakistan Markazi Muslim League (PMML), a political party that has faced allegations of links to the banned terrorist organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), were seen attending the funeral of his elder brother, Shahid Akhtar, in Islamabad.
According to media reports, Shahid Akhtar passed away earlier this week following a prolonged illness. Funeral prayers were held in Islamabad, where family members, friends, former cricketers and several public figures gathered to pay their respects. Shoaib Akhtar had earlier announced his brother’s demise through social media and was present at the funeral ceremony.
The controversy emerged after photographs and videos from the funeral circulated on social media, with some attendees identified in media reports as being associated with the PMML. The visuals quickly sparked debate online, leading to questions about the presence of individuals reportedly linked to organisations that have faced scrutiny over alleged extremist connections.
However, there is currently no evidence that Shoaib Akhtar personally invited these individuals or has any organisational association with Lashkar-e-Taiba, the PMML, or any banned outfit. Public funerals are often attended by a wide range of people, and no official authority has alleged any wrongdoing by the former cricketer in connection with the gathering.
Neither Akhtar nor his representatives have issued a public statement regarding the controversy. His silence has prompted mixed reactions on social media, with some users seeking clarification while others have argued that grieving families cannot always control who attends public funeral services.
As of now, no government agency or investigative authority has linked Shoaib Akhtar to any banned organisation. The discussion remains focused on the reported attendance of individuals alleged to have extremist affiliations at his brother’s funeral rather than on any verified connection involving the former Pakistan international himself.