Is a foreign spy-agency trying to kill Hafiz Saeed?
In a new development, Pakistani authorities have beefed up security for detained Lashkar-e-Taiba chief Hafiz Saeed. In an indirect reference to India's Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW), the authorities revealed that this was being done amid fears that a foreign intelligence agency was trying to kill Saeed. Saeed is an internationally designated terrorist who masterminded the 26/11 attacks on Mumbai in 2008.
Pakistan drops charges against 26/11 Mumbai attacks' mastermind Hafiz Saeed
On 15 October, Pakistani authorities dropped terrorism charges against Hafiz Saeed, and his outfit Jama'at-ud-Da'wah. Pakistani authorities had placed Saeed under house arrest under Pakistan's Anti-Terrorism Act in January 2017, amid mounting pressure from the Donald Trump administration in the US. Although the Punjab government had recently extended the house arrest, this could likely pave way for his release.
Who is Hafiz Saeed?
Hafiz Saeed is the chief of Pakistan-based terrorist organization LeT which has been banned in the US, UK, EU, Russia and Australia. Since Pakistan banned LeT, he has continued his activities under the garb of its political-wing, Jama'at ud Da'wah. He has masterminded multiple strikes on India, including the 26/11 attacks and 2001 Parliament attack. Saeed is on the National Investigation Agency's most-wanted list.
Why has Pakistan beefed up Saeed's security?
Sources reveal that Pakistan's National Counter terrorism Authority (NCTA) has reasons to believe that a foreign spy agency has paid Rs. 80 million to two members of a militant group to assassinate Saeed. In a letter, NCTA asked the Punjab home department to ensure "strict security measures" around the residence where Saeed is placed under house arrest.
