Bhuj, Gujarat: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has strongly criticized Pakistan for allegedly using international aid to rebuild terror networks destroyed by India during Operation Sindoor.
Speaking at the Bhuj Air Force base on Friday, Singh urged the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to review its recent $1 billion loan to Pakistan. He said the funds could be used to support terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).
“Would this not be considered indirect funding by the IMF?” he asked, warning the world community.
Operation Sindoor and Terror Bases
The Defence Minister was addressing air warriors involved in Operation Sindoor — an Indian military operation that targeted terror camps in Muridke and Bahawalpur, key bases of LeT and JeM respectively.
These sites were among the nine terror camps struck by Indian forces during recent hostilities with Pakistan. The Bhuj airbase, where Singh spoke, was also one of the targets of Pakistani attacks.
IMF Loan Criticized
Singh highlighted that the IMF approved a $1 billion tranche for Pakistan on May 9, even as tensions peaked between the two nations. India had raised objections, but the loan was cleared under the IMF’s Extended Fund Facility (EFF) program.
He warned that a large portion of this aid would go into rebuilding terror infrastructure.
“The Pakistan government is spending around 140 million rupees on Masood Azhar,” Singh said. “This is taxpayer money being used for a UN-designated terrorist.”
Pakistan Minister Visits Terror Base
Singh’s remarks followed Pakistan Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain’s visit to Muridke a day earlier. Hussain reportedly said the government would rebuild the area at its own cost.
Muridke is known as the LeT’s headquarters, while Bahawalpur is the main base of Jaish-e-Mohammed. Both were major targets of Operation Sindoor.
Nuclear Weapons Warning
Singh also raised concerns about Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal. He warned that these weapons could fall into the hands of terrorists. To underline his point, he quoted poet Bashir Badr:
“The clothes are made of paper, it’s a city of lamps – walk carefully, for you are intoxicated.”
A Call to the World
The Defence Minister urged the international community, especially financial institutions like the IMF, to be more cautious. He said funding a country that supports terrorism is equal to financing terror.
“Pakistan must be held accountable,” Singh concluded.
