In a heated exchange on the latest episode of Piers Morgan Uncensored, British journalist Piers Morgan challenged Pakistani comedian and podcast host Shehzad Ghias Shaikh over assertions regarding Osama bin Laden's concealment in Pakistan. The discussion, which also featured Indian journalist Barkha Dutt, Indian podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia, and former Pakistani minister Hina Rabbani Khar, centred on the circumstances surrounding bin Laden's presence in Pakistan prior to his death.
Shaikh contended that bin Laden was actively hiding from Pakistani intelligence services, citing a book by Nelly Lahoud based on 470,000 documents seized during the 2011 US Navy SEAL raid in Abbottabad. He stated, "The bin Laden papers were not released by the DG ISPR by Pakistan; they were released by the American intelligence—470,000 papers, which a book was written by Nelly Lahoud, which clearly states that bin Laden was trying to hide from the Pakistani intelligence."
Morgan promptly interrupted Shaikh, labelling his claim as "utterly ludicrous." He pointed out that bin Laden had been residing for years in a compound located merely a few hundred yards from one of Pakistan's main military bases. Morgan remarked, "If your intelligence didn’t know he was there, it must be de facto the worst intelligence in the history of military intelligence." He further added, "All they had to do was get a pair of binoculars and they would have found the most wanted terrorist in the world who committed one of the world’s worst terror attacks in history."
The debate intensified when Ranveer Allahbadia, known for his YouTube channel BeerBiceps, displayed photographs of Osama bin Laden and Abdul Rauf during the broadcast. He asserted that the world should recognise Pakistan's true "face of terror," criticising the country's alleged support for terrorism. Allahbadia stated, "India only retaliates," emphasising that India acts in defence and is committed to protecting humanity.
Morgan's sharp rebuttal underscores longstanding suspicions about Pakistan's knowledge of bin Laden's whereabouts prior to the 2011 operation. The location of bin Laden's compound, situated near a major Pakistani military installation, has led many, including Western intelligence agencies, to question how he could have remained undetected for so long.
The 470,000 documents seized during the raid have been scrutinised and analysed since their release. While some excerpts suggest bin Laden's efforts to remain hidden, the fact that his compound was located in a seemingly secure area near Pakistani military infrastructure remains a significant point of debate and speculation.
The exchange on Piers Morgan "Uncensored" highlights the enduring controversies and scepticism over Pakistan's role and knowledge in the events leading up to bin Laden's capture and killing by US Navy SEALs in Abbottabad in 2011.
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
