Pakistan may file 'fresh charge' against Hafiz to keep him in custody

The government argued that Saeed's release from house arrest could result in a diplomatic crisis which would even stop the flow of foreign funds into the country.

NEW DELHI: The Pakistan government may slap fresh charges against Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed in order to keep him in custody, media reports said on Thursday.

The Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) chief was set to be released from house arrest tonight after the Lahore High Court's release order.

Saeed's house arrest had been extended several times since he was first put under detention on January 31 for a period of 90 days.

On Wednesday, a 3-judge review board had rejected the Punjab government’s appeal to extend his custody for another three months for want of evidence.

The government argued that his release would result in a diplomatic crisis which could even restrict the entry of foreign funds into the country.

Saeed’s counsel AK Dogar told the board that he had been held illegally to “oblige” the United States.

He further said that Saeed has been held “without any legality”, and hence, a violation of the constitution and his fundamental human rights.

After the ruling, Dogar said that the JuD chief would walk free on Thursday night if the government doesn’t press more charges against him.

He expressed fear that the government may “detain” him in other cases.

An official said that the JuD activities are “already under the scanner”, and this time, “we may again take action”.

The home department may again press charges against Saeed to keep him in detention, he said requesting anonymity.

The United Nations has designated Saeed as a global terrorist and his release from his house arrest is a huge blow to the global efforts to rien in terror.

India's Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said: “His release confirms once again the lack of seriousness on the part of Pak Govt, also appears to be an attempt by Pakistani system to mainstream proscribed terrorists.”

“India, as indeed the entire International community, is outraged that a self-confessed and a UN proscribed terrorist is being allowed to walk free and continue with his evil agenda,” he added.