Hafiz Saeed To Face More Charges, May Stay in Custody: Pak Sources

Saeed was set free by a Pakistani Judicial Review Board, but may now stay in custody, according to Pakistani sources

Hafiz Saeed, co-founder of the LeT and head of the Jamaat-ud-Dawa.

(Photo: AP)

Alleged 26/11 mastermind and LeT Founder Hafiz Saeed may not walk free after all. Citing sources within the Pakistani Government, CNN News-18 reported that Pakistan will press additional charges against the head of the Jamaat-Ud-Dawa terror outfit, and ensure that his detention, set to end on 24 November, continues.

The reports of the Pakistani Government’s sudden turnaround came briefly after The Indian Ministry of External Affairs questioned the Pakistani Government’s commitment to combating terror.

India, as indeed the entire International community, is outraged that a self confessed and a UN proscribed terrorist is being allowed to walk free and continue with his evil agenda. His release confirms once again the lack of seriousness on the part of Pak Govt. It’s evident that Pakistan has not changed its policy of shielding and supporting non-state actors, and its true face is visible for all to see.

Raveesh Kumar, Spokesperson, MEA

The developments came after a Judicial Review Board of judges of the Lahore High Court denied an extension to Saeed’s detention, in an order on 22 November.

The founder of the Lashkar-e-Taiba was placed under house arrest in Pakistan in January 2017.

His house arrest ends on 24 November 2017, after which he would have been allowed to walk free.

The Punjab government in Pakistan had produced Saeed before a Judicial Review Board of judges of the Lahore High Court, and pleaded that his detention be extended for a further three months.

However, the review board, stating that the Pakistani government had failed to produce substantial evidence, denied the plea to extend Saeed’s detention, and put an end to Saeed’s house arrest.

While seeking the extension, they also pleaded that failing to extend Saeed's detention could lead to international sanctions on Pakistan.

Public Prosecutor Nigam Questions Pak Govt’s ‘Lack of Evidence’

Speaking to ANI, Ujjwal Nigam, the public prosecutor in the 26/11 hearing, questioned the Pakistani government’s failure in providing evidence, despite David Headley and Ajmal Kasab’s incriminating statements.

Accusing Pakistan of being a perpetrator of terrorism, Nigam said Pakistan’s inability to provide evidence against Saeed was proof of their fraudulent manners.

Why have they not used the evidence provided by David Headley in the proceedings?Why have they not provided the court with Ajmal Kasab’s statement that Saeed was involved in training terrorists?

Ujjwal Nigam, the public prosecutor in the 26/11 hearing

Slamming the Pakistani Judicial Review Board, Nigam said that Pakistan has not only betrayed themselves but the entire world, by helping spread terrorism.

Hafiz Saeed is also believed to be the mastermind of the 26/11 terror attacks in Mumbai, along with Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi, the two founders of the LeT.

Saeed’s freedom comes barely four days ahead of the 26/11 terror attacks in Mumbai which left at least 164 people dead.

The US has offered a US $10 million bounty for Saaed.

The JuD is believed to be the front organisation for the banned LeT.