‘When Will You Stop Harbouring Terrorists?’: Shehbaz Sharif Dodges Question Over Pakistan’s Terror Links at UN

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif declined to answer questions from reporters about Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) founder Hafiz Saeed and allegations that Pakistan harbours terrorists during his visit to the United Nations headquarters in New York for the 81st UN General Assembly.

As Sharif entered the UN headquarters, a reporter asked him, “Prime Minister, when will you stop harbouring terrorists?” The Pakistani Prime Minister did not respond and continued walking. The issue was raised again when Sharif was leaving the UN premises. Reporters asked when Pakistan would prosecute Hafiz Saeed, but Sharif again declined to answer. Pak PM Shehbaz Sharif Refuses to Answer Questions on Hafiz Saeed, LeT During UNGA Visit.

Hafiz Saeed and Lashkar-e-Taiba Links

Hafiz Saeed is the founder of the proscribed terrorist organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba and has been designated as a terrorist by India. He is also wanted as an accused in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks case. The National Investigation Agency has also named Saeed as Accused No. 8 in its supplementary chargesheet related to the April 22, 2025 Pahalgam terror attack. The NIA has alleged that Pakistan-based LeT operatives were involved in the wider conspiracy behind the attack.

India Raises Cross-Border Terrorism at UN

Sharif's refusal to respond came amid renewed criticism from India over Pakistan's alleged support for cross-border terrorism. A day earlier, Indian diplomat Kshitij Tyagi, while exercising India's right of reply at the UN Human Rights Council, accused Pakistan of diverting attention from its domestic challenges and raised concerns over alleged support for terrorism. India also referred to the situation in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, including reported civilian deaths, arrests and restrictions affecting essential supplies.

India has repeatedly called on Pakistan to take credible and concrete action against cross-border terrorism. The Ministry of External Affairs reiterated this position earlier this week, saying Islamabad's statements would need to be backed by demonstrable action. Donald Trump Repeats Claim He Helped End India-Pakistan Conflict, Says Shehbaz Sharif Thanked Him.

Shehbaz Sharif at 81st UN General Assembly

The exchange took place as Sharif attended the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The questions focused specifically on Pakistan's handling of Hafiz Saeed and allegations concerning terrorist groups operating from Pakistani territory. Sharif did not provide a response to either question.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 25, 2026 12:27 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).