Pakistani security agencies on Thursday arrested two suspects believed to have been involved in car bomb blast outside terrorist Hafiz Saeed's house. Hafiz Saeed is the mastermind of 2008 Mumbai terror attack and chief of banned terrorist group Jamat-ud-Dawa (JuD).

Pakistan's Crime Investigation Department has arrested two suspects. On of the arrested is a Christian. The person had a connection with the sale and purchase of the car used for that. PTI stated this quoting a CTD official.

The official did not disclose the identity of the suspects. However, the Associated Press named one of the arrested as David Peter.

Pakistan's Geo TV has reported intelligence agencies have arrested the second man from Lahore airport. The news report quoted police officials to say that the man was asked to get off a Karachi-bound plane just a few minutes before take-off.

He was taken to an undisclosed location for further investigation, the report said.

"We are getting a lead from the arrested persons to the main culprits," the CTD official said, adding that different teams have been formed to probe the matter.

The arrests came after the security agencies conducted raids across different cities of Punjab in connection with the blast.

An FIR has been registered against 'unknown terrorists' under terrorism and other charges, said police.

Three persons were killed and 21 others injured when the powerful car bomb exploded outside Saeed's residence at the Board of Revenue (BOR) Housing Society in Johar Town on Wednesday morning, resulting in serious injuries to some police officers guarding his house. The windows and walls of Saeed's house were damaged from the impact of the blast.

No group has claimed responsibility for the blast.

Pakistani security agencies on Thursday arrested two suspects believed to have been involved in car bomb blast outside terrorist Hafiz Saeed's house. Hafiz Saeed is the mastermind of 2008 Mumbai terror attack and chief of banned terrorist group Jamat-ud-Dawa (JuD).

Pakistani security agencies on Thursday arrested two suspects believed to have been involved in car bomb blast outside terrorist Hafiz Saeed's house. Hafiz Saeed is the mastermind of 2008 Mumbai terror attack and chief of banned terrorist group Jamat-ud-Dawa (JuD). Pakistan's Crime Investigation Department has arrested two suspects. On of the arrested is a Christian. The person had a connection with the sale and purchase of the car used for that. PTI stated this quoting a CTD official. The official did not disclose the identity of the suspects. However, the Associated Press named one of the arrested as David Peter. Pakistan's Geo TV has reported intelligence agencies have arrested the second man from Lahore airport. The news report quoted police officials to say that the man was asked to get off a Karachi-bound plane just a few minutes before take-off. He was taken to an undisclosed location for further investigation, the report said. "We are getting a lead from the arrested persons to the main culprits," the CTD official said, adding that different teams have been formed to probe the matter. The arrests came after the security agencies conducted raids across different cities of Punjab in connection with the blast. An FIR has been registered against 'unknown terrorists' under terrorism and other charges, said police. Three persons were killed and 21 others injured when the powerful car bomb exploded outside Saeed's residence at the Board of Revenue (BOR) Housing Society in Johar Town on Wednesday morning, resulting in serious injuries to some police officers guarding his house. The windows and walls of Saeed's house were damaged from the impact of the blast. No group has claimed responsibility for the blast.

Pakistan: 2 suspects arrested over blast outside terrorist Hafiz Saeed's house

Lahore High Court on Tuesday issued notices to Counter Terrorism Department over a petition seeking to quash cases against UN-proscribed terrorist and Jammat-ud Dawah (JuD) chief <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-court-finds-hafiz-saeed-guilty-in-terror-financing-case-report-241330">Hafiz Saeed</a> and 65 others.

The court in its notices sought a reply over the matter from the parties within two weeks.

The petition was submitted by a JuD affiliate, Malik Zafar Iqbal. The High Court took up the matter for hearing on August 22.

Iqbal, in his petition, contended that the complaints are "without lawful authority and are of no legal effect", Dawn News reported.

Last month, the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) officials<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/hafiz-saeeds-ninth-time-arrest-pakistans-bid-to-curb-terror-a-mere-eyewash-reveals-former-envoy-238300"> arrested Saeed in Gujranwala</a>, Punjab. The terrorist was charged with gathering funds for banned outfits.

On July 3, top 13 leaders of the banned JuD, including Saeed and Naib Emir Abdul Rehman Makki, were booked in nearly two dozen cases of terror financing and money laundering under the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997.

The CTD, which registered the cases in five cities of Punjab in Pakistan, had stated that JuD was involved in terror funding collected through organisations including Al-Anfaal Trust, Dawatul Irshad Trust, and Muaz Bin Jabal Trust.

The terrorist was reportedly on his way to an Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Gujranwalato seek bail when he was arrested.&nbsp;

Lahore High Court on Tuesday issued notices to Counter Terrorism Department over a petition seeking to quash cases against UN-proscribed terrorist and Jammat-ud Dawah (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed and 65 others.

Lahore High Court on Tuesday issued notices to Counter Terrorism Department over a petition seeking to quash cases against UN-proscribed terrorist and Jammat-ud Dawah (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed and 65 others. The court in its notices sought a reply over the matter from the parties within two weeks. The petition was submitted by a JuD affiliate, Malik Zafar Iqbal. The High Court took up the matter for hearing on August 22. Iqbal, in his petition, contended that the complaints are "without lawful authority and are of no legal effect", Dawn News reported. Last month, the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) officials arrested Saeed in Gujranwala, Punjab. The terrorist was charged with gathering funds for banned outfits. On July 3, top 13 leaders of the banned JuD, including Saeed and Naib Emir Abdul Rehman Makki, were booked in nearly two dozen cases of terror financing and money laundering under the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997. The CTD, which registered the cases in five cities of Punjab in Pakistan, had stated that JuD was involved in terror funding collected through organisations including Al-Anfaal Trust, Dawatul Irshad Trust, and Muaz Bin Jabal Trust. The terrorist was reportedly on his way to an Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Gujranwalato seek bail when he was arrested.

Pakistan court issues notices over petition to quash cases against Hafiz Saeed

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/seen-this-drama-says-india-on-hafiz-saeeds-arrest-by-pakistan-236906">UN-proscribed terrorist Hafiz Saeed</a>'s judicial remand was extended by 14 days on Wednesday by a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-will-not-allow-armed-militia-in-the-country-imran-khan-238076">Pakistan</a> court.&nbsp;

26/11 Mumbai terror attack mastermind and head of Jamaat-ud-Dawa Saeed was arrested by Pakistan’s Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) on July 17 in connection with charges related to terror financing.

Counter-Terrorism Department had registered 23 cases in July against the leadership of JuD, Lashkar-e-Taiba and FIF (Falah-i-Insaniyat Foundation) for gaining assets from terrorism financing through non-profit organisations.

Watch: WION questions Imran Khan on Hafiz Saeed

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India blames Saeed for masterminding the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks in which 166 people were killed including several Americans.

Saeed was declared a global terrorist by the UNSC recently after a long, protracted battle by India at the UN body, a move which was consistently blocked by China. The US had declared a $10 million reward for capturing the Pakistan-based terrorist.

The arrest of the JuD chief comes just months ahead of Pakistan's probable blacklisting at the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) which had slammed the Imran Khan-led government for not doing enough to stop money laundering and terror financing in the country.

(With inputs from agencies)

UN-proscribed terrorist Hafiz Saeed's judicial remand was extended by 14 days on Wednesday by a Pakistan court. 26/11 Mumbai terror attack mastermind and head of Jamaat-ud-Dawa Saeed was arrested by Pakistan’s Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) on July 17 in connection with charges related to terror financing.

UN-proscribed terrorist Hafiz Saeed's judicial remand was extended by 14 days on Wednesday by a Pakistan court. 26/11 Mumbai terror attack mastermind and head of Jamaat-ud-Dawa Saeed was arrested by Pakistan’s Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) on July 17 in connection with charges related to terror financing. Counter-Terrorism Department had registered 23 cases in July against the leadership of JuD, Lashkar-e-Taiba and FIF (Falah-i-Insaniyat Foundation) for gaining assets from terrorism financing through non-profit organisations. Watch: WION questions Imran Khan on Hafiz Saeed × India blames Saeed for masterminding the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks in which 166 people were killed including several Americans. Saeed was declared a global terrorist by the UNSC recently after a long, protracted battle by India at the UN body, a move which was consistently blocked by China. The US had declared a $10 million reward for capturing the Pakistan-based terrorist. The arrest of the JuD chief comes just months ahead of Pakistan's probable blacklisting at the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) which had slammed the Imran Khan-led government for not doing enough to stop money laundering and terror financing in the country. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan court extends Hafiz Saeed's judicial remand for 14 more days

Pakistan's Punjab police on Wednesday confirmed the arrest of Abdul Rehman Makki, the brother-in-law of JuD chief Hafiz Saeed.

Makki was arrested late Tuesday night on charges of hate speech as part of the national action plan from Gujranwala.

Under the national action plan, hate speech has been defined as&nbsp;a criminal offence. The plan also prohibits&nbsp;banned organisations to collect any donations.

Abdul Rehman Makki is the deputy Ameer of Jamaat ud Dawa (JuD), second in command to Hafiz Saeed and Saeed's brother-in-law as well.

Makki had recently delivered&nbsp;a speech criticising the recent terror outfits in Pakistan.

He had also appealed for collecting funds for JuD and Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation (FIF) and had also criticised the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) greylisting of Pakistan.

Makki's speech was a direct confrontation with the state and challenged its writ on the implementation of the National Action Plan.

Following the&nbsp;arrest of Makki, the Punjab province was put on high alert.

Pakistan's Punjab police on Wednesday confirmed the arrest of Abdul Rehman Makki, the brother-in-law of JuD chief Hafiz Saeed. Makki was arrested late Tuesday night on charges of hate speech as part of the national action plan from Gujranwala.

Pakistan's Punjab police on Wednesday confirmed the arrest of Abdul Rehman Makki, the brother-in-law of JuD chief Hafiz Saeed. Makki was arrested late Tuesday night on charges of hate speech as part of the national action plan from Gujranwala. Under the national action plan, hate speech has been defined as a criminal offence. The plan also prohibits banned organisations to collect any donations. Abdul Rehman Makki is the deputy Ameer of Jamaat ud Dawa (JuD), second in command to Hafiz Saeed and Saeed's brother-in-law as well. Makki had recently delivered a speech criticising the recent terror outfits in Pakistan. He had also appealed for collecting funds for JuD and Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation (FIF) and had also criticised the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) greylisting of Pakistan. Makki's speech was a direct confrontation with the state and challenged its writ on the implementation of the National Action Plan. Following the arrest of Makki, the Punjab province was put on high alert.

Hafiz Saeed's brother in law Abdul Rehman Makki arrested in Pakistan

Pakistan has banned two charities linked to Islamist leader Hafiz Saeed, an official said on Wednesday, in a move against the U.N.-designated &quot;terrorist&quot; who the United States says was behind an attack on Mumbai in 2008 that killed 166 people.

Authorities had begun seizing control of offices and financial assets of the charities, another official said.

The action comes days before a meeting by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), a global money laundering watchdog, which will consider a U.S.-sponsored motion to place Pakistan on a list of countries failing to prevent terrorism financing.

The operations in Pakistan of Saeed&#39;s extensive network - which includes 300 seminaries and schools, hospitals, a publishing house and ambulance services - has been a particular concern of the United States.

Punjab province&#39;s law minister, Rana Sanaullah, said the central Ministry of Interior had issued a notification against the two charities, the Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) and Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation (FIF), this week.

&quot;We have received the interior ministry directions, and according to that, Hafiz Saeed and his charities, like JuD and FIF, have been banned to operate in Pakistan,&quot; Sanaullah told Reuters.

The United States has labelled JuD and FIF &quot;terrorist fronts&quot; for Lashkar-e-Taiba (&quot;Army of the Pure&quot; or LeT), a group Saeed founded in 1987 that the United States and India blame for the bloody attacks on the Indian city of Mumbai.

Saeed has repeatedly denied involvement in the attacks. A Pakistani court freed him from house arrest last year after ruling there was insufficient evidence to convict him.

Pakistan drew up plans late last year to take over Saeed&#39;s charities in a secret order first reported by Reuters.

In the city of Rawalpindi, in Punjab province, district officers had begun taking over the charities&#39; offices, a city official said.

&quot;We&#39;ve taken over all the JuD and FIF assets. We&#39;ve completed the takeover,&quot; Rawalpindi commissioner Nadeem Aslam told Reuters.

List

Aslam said he did not have an exact number of offices and seminaries involved in the asset seizure but data was being compiled in all four districts of Rawalpindi division and he expected full details of the assets.

A spokesmen for JuD declined to make an immediate comment but said a statement would be issued. Officials at FIF could not be reached for comment, nor could Hafiz Saeed himself, who rarely speaks to the media.

Pakistan has banned the LeT but its charity wings, the JUD and FIF have been operating.

The United States has offered $10 million for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Saeed, who heads JuD, which Washington says is a front for the LeT.

Pakistani officials involved in the seizures of assets said failure to act against the charities could lead to Pakistan&#39;s inclusion on the FATF watchlist.

That would make it harder for foreigners to do business in the nuclear-armed South Asian nation.

Pakistan&#39;s de facto finance minister, Miftah Ismail, told Reuters the FATF would consider a motion to place Pakistan on the list but the government was &quot;hopeful&quot; it could make its case to avoid it.

Pakistan was on the FATF watchlist from 2012 to 2015.

The United States has labelled the JuD and FIF 'terrorist fronts' for the Lashkar-e-Taiba

Pakistan has banned two charities linked to Islamist leader Hafiz Saeed, an official said on Wednesday, in a move against the U.N.-designated "terrorist" who the United States says was behind an attack on Mumbai in 2008 that killed 166 people. Authorities had begun seizing control of offices and financial assets of the charities, another official said. The action comes days before a meeting by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), a global money laundering watchdog, which will consider a U.S.-sponsored motion to place Pakistan on a list of countries failing to prevent terrorism financing. The operations in Pakistan of Saeed's extensive network - which includes 300 seminaries and schools, hospitals, a publishing house and ambulance services - has been a particular concern of the United States. Punjab province's law minister, Rana Sanaullah, said the central Ministry of Interior had issued a notification against the two charities, the Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) and Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation (FIF), this week. "We have received the interior ministry directions, and according to that, Hafiz Saeed and his charities, like JuD and FIF, have been banned to operate in Pakistan," Sanaullah told Reuters. The United States has labelled JuD and FIF "terrorist fronts" for Lashkar-e-Taiba ("Army of the Pure" or LeT), a group Saeed founded in 1987 that the United States and India blame for the bloody attacks on the Indian city of Mumbai. Saeed has repeatedly denied involvement in the attacks. A Pakistani court freed him from house arrest last year after ruling there was insufficient evidence to convict him. Pakistan drew up plans late last year to take over Saeed's charities in a secret order first reported by Reuters. In the city of Rawalpindi, in Punjab province, district officers had begun taking over the charities' offices, a city official said. "We've taken over all the JuD and FIF assets. We've completed the takeover," Rawalpindi commissioner Nadeem Aslam told Reuters. List Aslam said he did not have an exact number of offices and seminaries involved in the asset seizure but data was being compiled in all four districts of Rawalpindi division and he expected full details of the assets. A spokesmen for JuD declined to make an immediate comment but said a statement would be issued. Officials at FIF could not be reached for comment, nor could Hafiz Saeed himself, who rarely speaks to the media. Pakistan has banned the LeT but its charity wings, the JUD and FIF have been operating. The United States has offered $10 million for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Saeed, who heads JuD, which Washington says is a front for the LeT. Pakistani officials involved in the seizures of assets said failure to act against the charities could lead to Pakistan's inclusion on the FATF watchlist. That would make it harder for foreigners to do business in the nuclear-armed South Asian nation. Pakistan's de facto finance minister, Miftah Ismail, told Reuters the FATF would consider a motion to place Pakistan on the list but the government was "hopeful" it could make its case to avoid it. Pakistan was on the FATF watchlist from 2012 to 2015.

Pakistan bans Hafiz Saeed's JuD, FIF

Former Pakistan Army chief and President Pervez Musharraf has said -- he was asked about his recent statements on Hafiz Saeed -- that he is not scared of Indian or international pressure.&nbsp;

Musharraf had recently said he is the banned terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba&#39;s (LeT) &quot;biggest supporter&quot; and that he is aware that they &quot;like&quot; him too.&nbsp;

He had added then that he is similarly appreciative of LeT co-founder and the man thought to be the mastermind of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks Hafiz Saeed.&nbsp;

Musharraf&#39;s latest statements were made to Pakistani TV news channel AAJ News.&nbsp;

&quot;Hafiz Saeed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jamat-ud-Dawa should not be banned. They are doing good work. US can&rsquo;t dictate terms to us about who we should arrest. They are not terrorists,&quot; Musharraf told AAJ News. &nbsp;

The Jamat-ud-Dawa is thought to be a front for the LeT, which has been banned by India, the US, and the UN.&nbsp;

Watch interview below:&nbsp;

<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FR-mGfUYMtk" width="560"></iframe>

In the interview to AAJ News, Musharraf added that successive Pakistani government knew about the Lashkar&#39;s terror activities in Kashmir.&nbsp;

&quot;Lashkar has been there since 1991. It grew through the successive governments of Benazir Bhuttoo and Nawaz Sharif. They knew what Lashkar was doing in Kashmir. Can they deny it now?&quot; Musharraf told AAJ News. &nbsp;

&quot;I am not scared of Indian or international repercussion. Hafiz Saeed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jamat-ud-Dawa should not be banned. They are doing good work.&quot;

&quot;Lashkar has made maximum sacrifices for us in Kashmir. It&rsquo;s a good organisation, not a terror group. If Lashkar wants to contest elections, why not?&quot; he added.&nbsp;

Musharraf also added that he would welcome an electoral alliance with Hafiz Saeed and his newly-launched Milli Muslim League in the 2018 Pakistani general elections.&nbsp;

&quot;If it has to happen, it will happen. By all means, I would welcome that,&quot; said Musharraf.&nbsp;

Musharraf is currently living in exile in London.&nbsp;

He has also set up a political party -- the All Pakistan Muslims League.&nbsp;

'I am not scared of Indian or international repercussion. Hafiz Saeed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jamat-ud-Dawa should not be banned. They are doing good work.' Musharraf said

Former Pakistan Army chief and President Pervez Musharraf has said -- he was asked about his recent statements on Hafiz Saeed -- that he is not scared of Indian or international pressure. Musharraf had recently said he is the banned terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba's (LeT) "biggest supporter" and that he is aware that they "like" him too. He had added then that he is similarly appreciative of LeT co-founder and the man thought to be the mastermind of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks Hafiz Saeed. Musharraf's latest statements were made to Pakistani TV news channel AAJ News. "Hafiz Saeed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jamat-ud-Dawa should not be banned. They are doing good work. US can’t dictate terms to us about who we should arrest. They are not terrorists," Musharraf told AAJ News. The Jamat-ud-Dawa is thought to be a front for the LeT, which has been banned by India, the US, and the UN. Watch interview below: In the interview to AAJ News, Musharraf added that successive Pakistani government knew about the Lashkar's terror activities in Kashmir. "Lashkar has been there since 1991. It grew through the successive governments of Benazir Bhuttoo and Nawaz Sharif. They knew what Lashkar was doing in Kashmir. Can they deny it now?" Musharraf told AAJ News. "I am not scared of Indian or international repercussion. Hafiz Saeed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jamat-ud-Dawa should not be banned. They are doing good work." "Lashkar has made maximum sacrifices for us in Kashmir. It’s a good organisation, not a terror group. If Lashkar wants to contest elections, why not?" he added. Musharraf also added that he would welcome an electoral alliance with Hafiz Saeed and his newly-launched Milli Muslim League in the 2018 Pakistani general elections. "If it has to happen, it will happen. By all means, I would welcome that," said Musharraf. Musharraf is currently living in exile in London. He has also set up a political party -- the All Pakistan Muslims League.

Musharraf on Hafiz Saeed statements: Not scared of Indian or international pressure

The Lahore High Court on Wednesday ordered the release of Jamat-ud-Dawa (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed, who has been under house arrest since January this year. 
&nbsp; 
During the nine months of his detention, the Pakistani government&rsquo;s efforts at pursuing the case were at best lacklustre and seemed more cosmetic than anything, just like his house arrest during which he continued with his activities, and ran his charity organisation which many believe acts as a front and a reincarnation of the Lashkar-e-Taiba.

The JuD chief even managed to launch a political party by the name of Milli Muslim League (MML), but I will come back to that later. First, more on the court case. 
&nbsp; 
The judges hearing the petition &ndash; filed by Hafiz Saeed&rsquo;s lawyer who pleaded that there was no justification for Saeed&rsquo;s arrest &ndash; repeatedly asked the government&#39;s representatives, prosecutors, and law enforcement officials to present evidence that would ensure Saeed&#39;s continued captivity but the federal and provincial authorities failed to satisfy the courts. 
&nbsp; 
Does the government have this evidence? From what we know, India claims to have provided enough evidence against Hafiz Saeed for his involvement in the Mumbai attacks of 2008, which left 166 people dead.

Even the United States of America has put him on the Global Terrorist List.

However, in Pakistan, Indian claims are rejected outright while American labelling is also seen as India managing to convince the US through successful propaganda and nothing more. 
&nbsp; 
But there is another side to why the government has not pursued this case as it should have &ndash; its hands are tied by a powerful military establishment that does not want to share intelligence with its civilian counterparts.

In Pakistan, it is the military agencies that are thought to be responsible for domestic security affairs, especially when they concern&nbsp;intelligence gathering about a group like the JuD that has involvements in regional conflicts and affects Pakistan&rsquo;s foreign policy (which is also controlled by the establishment). 
&nbsp; 
But the military has even larger goals for the JuD &ndash; the MML (which I had mentioned earlier).&nbsp;

A few months ago, when the MML was being formed, a recently retired military general confided to the media that there was a plan by the Pakistan Army to mainstream militant groups into politics. While the idea was initially pushed with the clarification that this was the only way to de-radicalise such groups, it now seems the motives of the architects of the plan are quite different. 
&nbsp; 
The general elections in Pakistan are near and Nawaz Sharif has been on the warpath with the Pakistan Army ever since he was disqualified over the Panama Papers allegations.&nbsp;

Sharif alleges the military engineered his ouster and that there was no fair trial, and many agree with him.&nbsp;

Given that Sharif has been the one who is a big proponent of normalising relations with India, experts say the army does not want this, since no-conflict-with-India will reduce the relevance the military enjoys as the defender of Pakistan from a perceived Indian threat.

And so to stop Sharif&rsquo;s party &ndash; the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) &ndash; from being re-elected, the MML has been launched. The MML shares a voter-base with PML-N and will definitely dent its vote bank.&nbsp;

We saw an example of this in the recent Lahore city by-elections in NA-120, the seat where Sharif was disqualified from. The MML&#39;s performance was exceptional, and PML-N&#39;s Kulsoom Nawaz, Sharif&#39;s wife, did not win by the same percentage margin that Sharif did the last time. 
&nbsp; 
For now there are indications that the provincial government will make an attempt at issuing fresh orders of detention for Saeed but even if they manage to contain him, it is only a matter of time before the next order of freedom comes because there are power centres in the country that are more powerful than the civilian government. And if those powers want him out, no one can stop him from being a free man. 
&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The author writes here in a personal capacity).

The judges have repeatedly asked the government for evidence to ensure Saeed's continued captivity but the authorities has been unable to satisfy the courts

The Lahore High Court on Wednesday ordered the release of Jamat-ud-Dawa (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed, who has been under house arrest since January this year. During the nine months of his detention, the Pakistani government’s efforts at pursuing the case were at best lacklustre and seemed more cosmetic than anything, just like his house arrest during which he continued with his activities, and ran his charity organisation which many believe acts as a front and a reincarnation of the Lashkar-e-Taiba. The JuD chief even managed to launch a political party by the name of Milli Muslim League (MML), but I will come back to that later. First, more on the court case. The judges hearing the petition – filed by Hafiz Saeed’s lawyer who pleaded that there was no justification for Saeed’s arrest – repeatedly asked the government's representatives, prosecutors, and law enforcement officials to present evidence that would ensure Saeed's continued captivity but the federal and provincial authorities failed to satisfy the courts. Does the government have this evidence? From what we know, India claims to have provided enough evidence against Hafiz Saeed for his involvement in the Mumbai attacks of 2008, which left 166 people dead. Even the United States of America has put him on the Global Terrorist List. However, in Pakistan, Indian claims are rejected outright while American labelling is also seen as India managing to convince the US through successful propaganda and nothing more. But there is another side to why the government has not pursued this case as it should have – its hands are tied by a powerful military establishment that does not want to share intelligence with its civilian counterparts. In Pakistan, it is the military agencies that are thought to be responsible for domestic security affairs, especially when they concern intelligence gathering about a group like the JuD that has involvements in regional conflicts and affects Pakistan’s foreign policy (which is also controlled by the establishment). But the military has even larger goals for the JuD – the MML (which I had mentioned earlier). A few months ago, when the MML was being formed, a recently retired military general confided to the media that there was a plan by the Pakistan Army to mainstream militant groups into politics. While the idea was initially pushed with the clarification that this was the only way to de-radicalise such groups, it now seems the motives of the architects of the plan are quite different. The general elections in Pakistan are near and Nawaz Sharif has been on the warpath with the Pakistan Army ever since he was disqualified over the Panama Papers allegations. Sharif alleges the military engineered his ouster and that there was no fair trial, and many agree with him. Given that Sharif has been the one who is a big proponent of normalising relations with India, experts say the army does not want this, since no-conflict-with-India will reduce the relevance the military enjoys as the defender of Pakistan from a perceived Indian threat. And so to stop Sharif’s party – the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) – from being re-elected, the MML has been launched. The MML shares a voter-base with PML-N and will definitely dent its vote bank. We saw an example of this in the recent Lahore city by-elections in NA-120, the seat where Sharif was disqualified from. The MML's performance was exceptional, and PML-N's Kulsoom Nawaz, Sharif's wife, did not win by the same percentage margin that Sharif did the last time. For now there are indications that the provincial government will make an attempt at issuing fresh orders of detention for Saeed but even if they manage to contain him, it is only a matter of time before the next order of freedom comes because there are power centres in the country that are more powerful than the civilian government. And if those powers want him out, no one can stop him from being a free man. (Disclaimer: The author writes here in a personal capacity).

Opinion: If Pakistan Army wants, Hafiz Saeed will be a free man

Mumbai attack mastermind and banned Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed will walk free tonight if the Pakistan government does not detain him in any other case, his lawyer said today.

The JuD head, who carries a bounty of USD 10 million announced by the US for his role in terror activities, has been under detention since January this year.

The Judicial Review Board of Punjab province comprising judges of the Lahore High Court yesterday unanimously ordered Saeed&#39;s release on the completion of his 30-day house arrest which will expire midnight.

&quot;Saeed will walk free after midnight if the government does not detain him in any other case. We fear that the Punjab government may detain Saeed in any other case,&quot; Saeed&#39;s counsel Advocate AK Dogar told PTI.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/opinion-if-pakistan-army-wants-nothing-can-stop-hafiz-saeed-from-being-a-free-man-24881" target="_blank">Opinion: If Pakistan Army wants, Hafiz Saeed will be a free man</a>

He said a large number of JuD workers have gathered outside Saeed&#39;s residence in Jauhar Town Lahore to welcome him on his release tonight.

The fire-brand cleric&#39;s release may also coincide with the 9th anniversary of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks in which 166 people were killed.

On the other hand, sources in the home department of the Punjab government are insisting that Saeed will not be released as he is being booked in another case.

&quot;The JuD chief was illegally detained for 297 days. Hafiz Saeed always worked for Pakistan and the government could not prove any allegation against him,&quot; Dogar had said yesterday.

He had warned that they will move the court without any delay if the government does not comply with the order of the judicial board and set him free.

On January 31, Saeed and his four aides - Abdullah Ubaid, Malik Zafar Iqbal, Abdul Rehman Abid and Qazi Kashif Hussain - were detained by the Punjab government for 90 days under Anti-Terrorism Act 1997 and the&nbsp;

Fourth Schedule of Anti- Terrorism Act 1997. However, the last two extensions were made on the &#39;public safety law&#39;.

The board refused to give further extension to the detention of Saeed&#39;s aides. They were set free last month.

Under the law, the government can detain a person for up to three months under different charges but for extension to that detention it needs approval from a judicial review board.

The JuD is believed to be the front organisation for the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) which is responsible for carrying out the Mumbai attack.

Saeed was put under house arrest after Mumbai terror attacks in November 2008 but he was freed by court in 2009.

India has repeatedly asked Pakistan to re-investigate the Mumbai terror attack case and also demanded trial of Saeed and Lashkar-e-Taiba operations commander Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi in the light of evidence it had provided to Islamabad.

The Ministry of External Affairs today said Saeed&#39;s release confirms the &quot;lack of seriousness&quot; on Pakistan&#39;s part in bringing terrorists to justice and its nefarious designs to shield and support non-state actors.

&quot;India, as indeed, the entire international community is outraged that a selk-confessed and UN-proscribed terrorist is being allowed to walk free and continue with his evil agenda,&quot; MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said in New Delhi.

Ten LeT militants killed 166 people and wounded dozens in Mumbai in November, 2008. Nine of the attackers were killed by police while lone survivor Ajmal Kasab was caught.

Kasab was executed after a court found him guilty and handed down death sentence.&nbsp;

'Saeed will walk free after midnight if the government does not detain him in any other case,' Saeed's lawyer AK Dogar said

Mumbai attack mastermind and banned Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed will walk free tonight if the Pakistan government does not detain him in any other case, his lawyer said today. The JuD head, who carries a bounty of USD 10 million announced by the US for his role in terror activities, has been under detention since January this year. The Judicial Review Board of Punjab province comprising judges of the Lahore High Court yesterday unanimously ordered Saeed's release on the completion of his 30-day house arrest which will expire midnight. "Saeed will walk free after midnight if the government does not detain him in any other case. We fear that the Punjab government may detain Saeed in any other case," Saeed's counsel Advocate AK Dogar told PTI. Opinion: If Pakistan Army wants, Hafiz Saeed will be a free man He said a large number of JuD workers have gathered outside Saeed's residence in Jauhar Town Lahore to welcome him on his release tonight. The fire-brand cleric's release may also coincide with the 9th anniversary of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks in which 166 people were killed. On the other hand, sources in the home department of the Punjab government are insisting that Saeed will not be released as he is being booked in another case. "The JuD chief was illegally detained for 297 days. Hafiz Saeed always worked for Pakistan and the government could not prove any allegation against him," Dogar had said yesterday. He had warned that they will move the court without any delay if the government does not comply with the order of the judicial board and set him free. On January 31, Saeed and his four aides - Abdullah Ubaid, Malik Zafar Iqbal, Abdul Rehman Abid and Qazi Kashif Hussain - were detained by the Punjab government for 90 days under Anti-Terrorism Act 1997 and the Fourth Schedule of Anti- Terrorism Act 1997. However, the last two extensions were made on the 'public safety law'. The board refused to give further extension to the detention of Saeed's aides. They were set free last month. Under the law, the government can detain a person for up to three months under different charges but for extension to that detention it needs approval from a judicial review board. The JuD is believed to be the front organisation for the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) which is responsible for carrying out the Mumbai attack. Saeed was put under house arrest after Mumbai terror attacks in November 2008 but he was freed by court in 2009. India has repeatedly asked Pakistan to re-investigate the Mumbai terror attack case and also demanded trial of Saeed and Lashkar-e-Taiba operations commander Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi in the light of evidence it had provided to Islamabad. The Ministry of External Affairs today said Saeed's release confirms the "lack of seriousness" on Pakistan's part in bringing terrorists to justice and its nefarious designs to shield and support non-state actors. "India, as indeed, the entire international community is outraged that a selk-confessed and UN-proscribed terrorist is being allowed to walk free and continue with his evil agenda," MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said in New Delhi. Ten LeT militants killed 166 people and wounded dozens in Mumbai in November, 2008. Nine of the attackers were killed by police while lone survivor Ajmal Kasab was caught. Kasab was executed after a court found him guilty and handed down death sentence.

Hafiz Saeed will walk free tonight: Lawyer

Hafiz Saeed is to be released from house arrest in Pakistan after a&nbsp;&nbsp;Judicial Review Board of Pakistan&#39;s Punjab province refused Wednesday to extend his detention&nbsp; for another three months. 
&nbsp;

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Lahore Court refuses to extend house detention of terrorist Hafiz Saeed: Pakistan media <a href="https://t.co/66qvz3LZVC">pic.twitter.com/66qvz3LZVC</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/933279281014235136?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2017</a></blockquote>
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&quot;Review board has not found any satisfactory evidence for Hafiz Saeed so it has instructed the government to release him henceforth,&quot; Saeed&#39;s lawyer AK Dogar said.&nbsp;

The board had last month allowed a 30-day extension to the detention of Saeed which will expire next week. 
 
Saeed is a founder of the Lashkar-e-Taiba and has been blamed for the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.&nbsp;

On January 31, Saeed and his four aides - Abdullah Ubaid, Malik Zafar Iqbal, Abdul Rehman Abid and Qazi Kashif Hussain - were detained by the Punjab government for 90 days under the Anti-Terrorism Act 1997 and the Fourth Schedule of Anti-errorism Act 1997.

Saeed&#39;s four aides were set free in the last week of October.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-may-face-international-sanctions-if-hafiz-sayeed-is-released-pak-govt-to-judicial-body-24796" target="_blank">Pakistan may face international sanctions if Hafiz Sayeed is released: Pak govt to judicial body</a>

(With inputs from PTI)

A Lahore court refused to extend his detention

Hafiz Saeed is to be released from house arrest in Pakistan after a Judicial Review Board of Pakistan's Punjab province refused Wednesday to extend his detention for another three months. Lahore Court refuses to extend house detention of terrorist Hafiz Saeed: Pakistan media pic.twitter.com/66qvz3LZVC — ANI (@ANI) November 22, 2017 × "Review board has not found any satisfactory evidence for Hafiz Saeed so it has instructed the government to release him henceforth," Saeed's lawyer AK Dogar said. The board had last month allowed a 30-day extension to the detention of Saeed which will expire next week. Saeed is a founder of the Lashkar-e-Taiba and has been blamed for the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. On January 31, Saeed and his four aides - Abdullah Ubaid, Malik Zafar Iqbal, Abdul Rehman Abid and Qazi Kashif Hussain - were detained by the Punjab government for 90 days under the Anti-Terrorism Act 1997 and the Fourth Schedule of Anti-errorism Act 1997. Saeed's four aides were set free in the last week of October. Pakistan may face international sanctions if Hafiz Sayeed is released: Pak govt to judicial body (With inputs from PTI)

Hafiz Saeed to be released from house arrest in Pakistan

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