WATCH: Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem Meets Lashkar Terrorist Harris Dar After Olympic Win

Pakistani Javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem has captured the nation’s attention after ending Pakistan’s 32-year Olympic gold medal drought with his stunning victory in Paris.

However, the 27-year-old athlete has recently sparked controversy over a conversation with Harris Dar, a leader of the United Nations-designated terrorist organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).

The video of his conversation with Dar has gone viral, prompting criticism from netizens.

Nadeem has yet to respond publicly to the controversy.

Even before Pakistan’s Olympic Gold Medalist Arshad Nadeem could rejoice his victory with family & loved ones, he’s run into controversy for hobnobbing with terror affiliates

Photographs emerge of Pakistan’s Olympic javelin champion Arshad Nadeem with joint secretary of Milli… pic.twitter.com/2f37vb2oKe

— Nabila Jamal (@nabilajamal_) August 13, 2024

Lashkar-e-Taiba, known for orchestrating the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, is classified as a terrorist organisation by the United Nations. Muhammad Harris Dar, who serves as the Joint Secretary of the Milli Muslim League (MML), a political party linked to LeT, has been associated with various extremist activities.

In 2018, the U.S. Treasury Department designated the MML and its leadership, including Dar, as Specially Designated Global Terrorists.

Dar is infamous for his anti-India rhetoric and involvement in LeT’s student wing, Al-Muhammadiya Students (AMS), where he participated in training camps focused on weapon skills and assault tactics.

Nadeem secured the Olympic gold medal in the Men’s Javelin final with a world-record throw of 92.97 metres, outperforming India’s Neeraj Chopra, who was the favourite to win with a best throw of 89.35 meters. Both athletes displayed mutual respect throughout the competition.

Upon his return to Lahore, Nadeem was greeted with a hero’s welcome. The government organized a victory parade in his honour and awarded him Pakistan’s highest civilian honor, a cash prize of PKR 153 million, and a gold crown for his exceptional performance in Paris.