World · India Bureau
Pakistani cleric denounces Houthis as un-Islamic at Saudi conference
A senior Pakistani religious leader has condemned the Houthi movement as terrorists with no connection to Islam at an international conference in Saudi Arabia. The remarks have renewed scrutiny of the cleric's organization over past statements regarding other militant figures.
LSN India ·
Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Ashraf, chief of Pakistan's Council of Islamic Ideology, made the comments at an international conference held in Saudi Arabia, describing the Houthi movement as terrorists disconnected from Islamic principles.
Ashraf's statements align with the Saudi-led coalition's long-standing position against the Iran-aligned Houthi group, which has been engaged in armed conflict in Yemen for nearly a decade.
However, the cleric's remarks have drawn renewed attention to his organization's historical statements on other militant figures. Reports have surfaced suggesting that Ashraf and his council praised Osama bin Laden as a "fighter" or "warrior" in 2007, during the height of global counter-terrorism operations.
The apparent contradiction between condemning certain militant groups while having previously lauded bin Laden has raised questions about the consistency of positions held by Pakistan's Council of Islamic Ideology on extremism and terrorism.
Ashraf's organization plays an influential advisory role in Pakistan's religious and legal framework, making its historical stances a matter of continued public and political interest.