LAHORE/NEW DELHI: In probably the first official admission by the Pakistan government the Interior ministry told a judicial board that Lashkar-e-Taiba chief Hafiz Saeed and his aides were spreading terrorism in the name of Jihad. An official representing the Nawaz Sharif government argued against his claim that he was being prevented from the raising the Kashmir issue.
“The government detained the Jamaat-ud-Dawa leaders on pressure of United Nations and international organisations.” Pak's admission of Saeed's terror links is a rare instance of the country endorsing New Delhi's stand that the LeT has carried out several terrorist strikes in India. The move holds much significance as Saeed is seen as a key asset and ally of the Pakistani army which helps train and launch LeT terrorists across the LoC into J&K. Saeed had seconded Pak's stand in discussions with India when he told the board that allegations against him were never proved by any state institution. He said he was being victimised for raising voice for “freedom of Kashmir and criticising the government's weak policy”. However, the official slammed him for terror in the guise of jihad can also reflect political tensions between the Sharif regime and the Pak army on use and support to terrorist organisations.
The admission before the judicial review board came as the Punjab government further extended Saeed's detention for 90 days. Saeed has been addressing his cadre and on an occasion spoke to Lashkar supporters in J&K over mobile phones.
