US tense over LeT affiliated candidates’ participation in Pakistan elections

The United States has conveyed its apprehension to Islamabad regarding the participation of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) affiliated individuals in the upcoming general elections in Pakistan on July 25.

According to reports, the US Department of State said, "We have repeatedly expressed our concerns to the Pakistani Government about LeT, including the participation of LeT affiliated individuals in the elections."

The Pakistani elections are witnessing connections between security agencies and candidates who have links to banned extremist outfits. Pakistan Election Commission has already declared the Milli Muslim League as an invalid political party due to its links with Hafiz Saeed, the global terrorist.

Hafiz Khalid Waleed, the son-in-law of the United Nation designated terrorist Mohammed Saeed, is also standing for the elections as a candidate of the Allah-o-Akbar Tehreek (AAT). Hafiz Saeed's son Talha Saeed is another prominent candidate from AAT.

According to political analysts and experts, such activities by banned terrorist outfits would not have been possible without the knowledge or at least partial support of the Pakistani security agencies.