Attempts to link the deadly Sydney attack to Pakistan have unraveled after Australian authorities and local sources confirmed that the attackers were not connected to Pakistan, exposing what critics describe as a coordinated propaganda campaign.
Efforts to associate the Sydney attack with Pakistan have been exposed after investigators confirmed that no evidence links the attackers to Pakistan. Australian authorities and local sources have stated that no family, financial, or ideological network tied to Pakistan has been found.
The Pakistani-Australian community has also said it was unaware of the identities of the two suspects.
Identity of attackers confirmed
According to Australian officials, the suspects were father and son, identified as Sajid Akram and Naveed Akram. Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke confirmed that Sajid Akram arrived in Australia on a student visa in 1998, which later changed to a partner visa in 2001.
His son, Naveed Akram, was born and raised in Australia and is an Australian citizen by birth.
Speaking to Australia’s 9 Network, a close associate of Naveed Akram revealed that Sajid Akram was an Indian citizen, while Naveed’s mother is Italian. Local sources confirmed the family background, contradicting early attempts to associate the accused with Pakistan.
Australian authorities confirmed that both father and son are Australian citizens.
New CCTV footage surfaces
Newly released CCTV footage shows the suspects leaving a rented house shortly before the attack. Australian media reported that the footage is being examined as part of the ongoing investigation into the planning and execution of the incident.
The video adds to the growing body of evidence being reviewed by investigators.
Australian media reported that the father and son traveled to the Philippines last month. The country hosts an ISIS-linked group, which Australia designated as a terrorist organization in 2017.
Police are investigating the nature and purpose of their visit, amid reports that Australian citizens have previously had contact with Filipino terrorist networks.
ISIS flag found in suspects’ vehicle
According to Australian media, investigators recovered a black ISIS flag from the suspects’ car. Authorities are examining whether the attackers had links to ISIS or other terrorist organizations.
Police say investigations are ongoing and no final conclusions have yet been drawn.
Emergency cabinet meeting
In response to the attack, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese chaired an emergency cabinet meeting. The police commissioner briefed the cabinet on developments and security gaps.
Albanese described the Sydney incident as a direct attack on the Australian way of life and said citizens now want confidence and assurance for the future.
The prime minister said the government would ensure all states and territories are aligned on security measures. “If the laws need to be changed or tightened, we will do so,” Albanese said.
The meeting focused on making Australia’s gun laws more effective.
Victims still hospitalised as nation mourns
According to Australian media, 27 injured victims remain hospitalized, with eight in critical condition. The injured are being treated at seven different hospitals across Sydney.
Citizens continue to lay flowers at the site of the attack, expressing condolences and solidarity with the victims and their families.
