In a development that has stirred considerable debate online, Pakistani Olympic gold medallist Arshad Nadeem has been captured in a video with Mohammad Harris Dhar, a figure designated as a terrorist by the United States. The video, which has gone viral, shows Nadeem interacting with Dhar, who is identified as a joint secretary of the Mili Muslim League (MML), a political front linked to the proscribed terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).
Details of the Viral Video
The video shows Nadeem, who achieved global recognition for his performance at the Paris Olympics, conversing with Dhar. The timing of this meeting remains unclear, with uncertainty surrounding whether it occurred before or after Nadeem’s historic gold medal win in the men’s javelin throw event.
Background on Mohammad Harris Dhar
Harris Dhar is among several individuals named by the US Department of Treasury in 2018 as “specially designated global terrorists.” The MML, linked to Hafiz Saeed — the alleged mastermind behind the 2008 Mumbai attacks — was formed in 2017 but was never officially registered as a political party due to US sanctions.
Arshad Nadeem’s Olympic Triumph
On August 8, 2024, Arshad Nadeem made history by becoming the first Pakistani athlete to win a gold medal at the Olympics. Nadeem’s remarkable performance saw him throw a distance of 92.97 meters in the javelin throw event, securing his place in Olympic history. His achievement marked Pakistan’s first Olympic gold in 32 years, adding to the national pride.
Reaction and Ongoing Investigation
The video’s emergence has prompted a significant reaction on social media, with some users questioning the implications of Nadeem’s association with Dhar. Security sources have not yet confirmed the exact timing of the interaction, leaving room for further investigation into the circumstances surrounding the meeting.
Following his Olympic victory, Nadeem returned to his village in Mian Chunnu, Punjab, where he was greeted as a hero.