US's warning: Prosecute Hafiz Saeed to "fullest extent of law"
The US has again forced fair-weather friend Pakistan to deal with Mumbai terror attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed. They have called for his prosecution "to fullest extent of law." This warning came in response to Pakistan PM Shahid Abbasi's remark that there is no case against Saeed. Referring to Saeed as "sahib," Abbasi claimed "only when there is a case can there be action."
What is US's contention?
Reacting to Abbasi's comments, State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert said Saeed "is listed by the UNSC 1267, the Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee for targeted sanctions due to his affiliation with Lashkar-e-Taiba, which is a designated foreign terror organisation." She asserted that US believes that Saeed was the mastermind of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, where many Americans were killed, and so should be prosecuted.
What does Nauert have to say about US-Pakistan relations?
Nauert acknowledged that US is facing some tough times with Pakistan. However, she claimed that Trump administration is hell-bent to ensure that Pakistan addresses the issue of terrorism. She also asserted that the entire administration is on the same page with respect to Pakistan policy.
Meanwhile, US-Pakistan relations have hit rough waters
Meanwhile, US had warned Pakistan earlier as well. After Saeed was released from house arrest in November following a Lahore HC order, US had asked Pakistan to "make the right decision" and take action. Moreover, US suspended security assistance to Pakistan accusing it of harbouring terrorists. In retaliation, Pakistan suspended military/intelligence co-operation with US. So, will Pakistan heed to US's latest warning regarding Saeed?
