Ahead Of FATF Meet, Pakistan Again Bans 26/11 Mastermind Hafiz Saeed’s Jamat-ud-Dawa While Global Terrorist Roams Free

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan’s government banned the Jamat-ud-Dawa (JuD) which is led by Mumbai attacks mastermind Hafiz Saaed. The government also banned its charity wing Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation, reports Indian Express.

The move comes days after the Pulwama attack orchestrated by Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish e Mohammed (JeM) in which 40 CRPF personnel were martyred.

The decision was reportedly taken during a meeting of the National Security Committee at the Prime Minister’s Office in the wake of the attacks.

“It was decided during the meeting to accelerate action against proscribed organisations,” said a statement released by Ministry of Interior spokesperson, adding, “It was further decided that Jamat-ud-Dawa and Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation be notified as proscribed organisations by the Ministry of Interior.”

Last year in February, Pakistan, under pressure from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), brought a presidential ordinance bringing all organisations proscribed by the United Nations Security Council, including the Jamaat-ud Dawa and Falah-i-Insaniyat Foundation under the purview of anti-terrorism act. However, the Pakistani government didn’t bring the ordinance in the next session of parliament, allowing it to lapse, effectively uplifting the ban.

During Pakistan’s last general elections, JuD fielded its candidates under the banner of Allahu Akbar Tehreek but failed to secure a single seat. Hafiz Saeed, the 2008 Mumbai attack mastermind had himself addressed many rallies leading the election campaign.