New Delhi: Pakistan’s Olympic gold medallist Arshad Nadeem has found himself at the center of a storm after a viral video emerged showing him chatting with Mohammad Harris Dhar, a man designated as a terrorist by the United States. The video has ignited a massive online debate, leaving many questioning the timing and implications of this encounter.
The Controversial Meeting
In the widely shared video, Arshad Nadeem, who is currently basking in global acclaim for his outstanding performance in Paris, can be seen engaged in conversation with Dhar. Security grid sources have yet to confirm whether this interaction occurred before or after Nadeem’s historic gold medal win at the Paris Olympics. While some social media users claim it happened after his return to Pakistan, the exact timeline remains uncertain.
The Mili Muslim League (MML) Connection
Dhar, identified as a joint secretary of the Mili Muslim League (MML), adds further intrigue to the situation. The MML is a political front associated with the proscribed terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). The LeT, notorious for its role in the 2008 Mumbai attacks that claimed 166 lives, has been a subject of international concern.
US Designation and Suspected Terrorists
The US Department of Treasury previously designated Dhar and six others as “specially designated global terrorists”. These individuals include MML president Saifullah Khalid, Muzammil Iqbal Sashimi, Tabish Qayyum, Fayyaz Ahmad, Faisal Nadeem, and Muhammad Ehsan. Their suspected ties to LeT raise serious questions about Nadeem’s association with Dhar.
Arshad Nadeem’s Historic Achievement
Putting aside the controversy, Arshad Nadeem made history on August 8 by becoming the first Pakistani to win a gold medal in the Olympics. His remarkable performance in the men’s javelin throw competition saw him achieve a distance of 92.97 meters, securing the coveted yellow metal. In the final, Nadeem crossed the 90-meter mark twice, a feat unmatched in Olympic history. India’s Neeraj Chopra clinched the silver medal in the same event.
Hero’s Welcome in Mian Chunnu
After ending Pakistan’s 32-year-long medal drought in the Olympics, Nadeem returned to his village in Mian Chunnu, Punjab province on Sunday morning (August 11). The local community welcomed him as a hero, celebrating his remarkable achievement on the global stage.
