LAHORE - The government late on Thursday put an end to Jamaatud Dawa chief Hafiz Muhammad Saeed’s house arrest and withdrew jail staff from his Johar Town residence.
Hafiz Saeed, who spent 297-day detention, is expected to address his followers at Jamia al Qadsiya near Chauburji before Friday prayers.
On Thursday midnight, hundreds of his supporters gathered outside his house and showered rose petals on Hafiz Saeed as he came out. They also distributed sweets amid full-throat slogans welcoming the release of their leader.
His spokesman Ahmad Nadeem Awan said: “Now, Hafiz Sahib is free. Jail staff has been withdrawn. All legal formalities are fulfilled and Hafiz Sahib has signed the documents.”
INDIA OUTRAGED
AFP adds: India said Thursday it was outraged at Pakistan’s release of Hafiz Saeed accused of organising the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
“India, as indeed the entire international community, is outraged that a self-confessed and a UN proscribed terrorist is allowed to walk free and continue with his evil agenda,” Raveesh Kumar, India’s foreign ministry spokesman, told reporters at a weekly briefing in New Delhi.
“It also appears to be an attempt by the Pakistani system to mainstream proscribed terrorists,” the spokesman added.
Kumar said the radical leader’s release shows that Pakistan continues with its policy to support and shield non-state actors who are involved in militant activities in the region.
Hafiz Saeed is free
