Hafiz Saeed’s release angers France too

New Delhi: After the US, France has also reportedly conveyed its anguish to Pakistan over the release of Mumbai terror attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed, who heads the United Nations-proscribed outfit of Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD). French diplomatic sources were cited on Monday by news agencies as saying that France has conveyed its deep concern to Pakistan over the release of Saeed, adding that France and India will continue their “relentless” efforts to combat terrorism. Incidentally, French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to visit New Delhi early next year.

According to reports last week, the US had also demanded immediate re-arrest and prosecution of Saeed, warning Islamabad that there would be “repercussions” for bilateral ties if it fails to take “decisive action” against the notorious terrorist.

Expressing outrage that a UN-proscribed terrorist is being allowed to walk free” in Pakistan, India had last Thursday described the move by a Pakistani court to release Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed as an “attempt by the Paklistani system to mainstream proscribed terrorists”, adding that Pakistan has not changed its policy of shielding terrorists.

In its statement, the ministry of external affairs had said, “His release confirms once again the lack of seriousness on the part of Pakistani government in bringing to justice perpetrators of heinous acts of terrorism, including by individuals and entities designated by the United Nations. It also appears to be an attempt by the Pakistani system to mainstream proscribed terrorists.”  

The banned JuD head, who carries a $10-million American bounty on his head for terror activities, walked free on Friday.