WEB DESK: Efforts to link Pakistan to the Sydney attack have been discredited after investigators confirmed no evidence ties the attackers to the country. Australian authorities and local sources have clearly stated that no familial, financial, or ideological connection to Pakistan has been identified.
Officials in Australia revealed that the suspects were a father and son duo, Sajid Akram and Naveed Akram. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke confirmed that Sajid Akram entered Australia on a student visa in 1998, which was later converted to a partner visa in 2001.
Naveed Akram, Sajid’s son, was born and raised in Australia, making him an Australian citizen by birth.
A close associate of Naveed Akram shared with Australia’s 9 Network that Sajid Akram was an Indian citizen, while Naveed’s mother is of Italian origin. This was corroborated by local sources, further disproving earlier attempts to link the suspects to Pakistan.
Reports from Australian media indicate that the father and son recently visited the Philippines, a country known to host an ISIS-affiliated group designated as a terrorist organization by Australia in 2017.
Investigators confirmed finding a black ISIS flag in the suspects’ vehicle and are currently probing whether they had any ties to ISIS or other extremist organizations.
In response to the attack, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese convened an emergency cabinet meeting. During the session, the police commissioner provided updates on the incident and reviewed existing security vulnerabilities.
The prime minister reassured the public, stating that all states and territories would work in unison to strengthen security measures. He emphasized that the government would amend or enhance laws if required, declaring that adjustments would be made without hesitation.
As reported by Australian media, 27 individuals injured in the attack remain hospitalized, with eight in critical condition. These patients are receiving medical care across seven hospitals in Sydney.
Meanwhile, citizens continue to gather at the attack site to lay flowers, mourning those affected and expressing support for the victims and their families.
