Pakistan publicly pledges to combat terrorism, but continues to provide space and legitimacy to globally sanctioned terrorists. In a stark reminder of Pakistan’s deep-rooted nexus between politics and terrorism, Faisal Nadeem alias Abu Qatal and the nephew of 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed, was recently seen addressing a political rally in Karachi. Faisal Nadeem’s appearance shows that he is an active part of Pakistan’s political life. This mainstreaming of extremists and terrorists has long been a key feature of Pakistan’s polity. Faisal Nadeem’s visibility and vitality raise serious concerns about Islamabad’s duplicity in acting against terrorism. This appearance, however, shows that he is healthy and an active part of Pakistan’s political life. This mainstreaming of extremists and terrorists has long been a key feature of Pakistan’s polity. There is a plethora of evidence already available in the public domain that proves terror organisations like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed are proxies of the Pakistani Army and the state. Recently, terror outfits Lashkar-e-Taiba and Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat, both internationally designated terrorist organisations, joined hands with radical clerics in a pro-Pakistan Army rally held in Karachi.