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Defence Minister's Strong Message

New Delhi: On Friday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh delivered a pointed warning regarding Pakistan's alleged intentions to finance terrorism through taxpayer funds and international aid. Speaking to military personnel at a base in Bhuj, Gujarat, he asserted that the Pakistani government plans to allocate Rs 14 crore to Masood Azhar, the leader of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and a UN-designated terrorist.

Rajnath Singh remarked, “Pakistan intends to utilize tax revenue from its citizens to provide Rs 14 crore to Masood Azhar, despite his designation as a terrorist by the UN.”

He further informed the troops that Pakistan aims to use anticipated funds from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to restore terrorist infrastructure that was dismantled during Operation Sindoor, which was India's military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack attributed to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).

The Defence Minister added, “The Pakistani government has announced plans to financially support the reconstruction of terror facilities for Lashkar and Jaish in Muridke and Bahawalpur.”

These comments come as India strongly opposes the IMF's proposed $2.3 billion bailout for Pakistan, expressing fears that the funds could be diverted to support terrorist organizations.

Rajnath Singh stated, “Any financial aid to Pakistan essentially funds terrorism. The IMF should reconsider its decision.” He emphasized that the IMF's assistance to Pakistan indirectly supports terror activities.

Despite India's abstention from the vote, the IMF proposal was approved.

Last week, India raised alarms that this financial aid could empower Pakistan to bolster groups like JeM and LeT, which have orchestrated deadly attacks on Indian territory, including the 2019 Pulwama and 2016 Uri incidents.

Previously, Rajnath Singh indicated that Operation Sindoor was merely a preview, promising that the Indian armed forces would reveal the complete strategy at the appropriate moment.

He stated, “Operation Sindoor is not concluded. What the world witnessed was just a glimpse, and the Indian armed forces will unveil the full strategy when the time is right.”

Criticizing Pakistan for harboring terrorist organizations, the Defence Minister noted that the nation has been compelled to acknowledge the might of the BrahMos missile.

He concluded, “Just as habitual offenders are monitored, we have placed Pakistan under scrutiny. The ceasefire does not equate to a halt in action. Should Pakistan continue its misadventures, our forces will respond decisively.”