India reacts to Hafiz Saeed's release, says Pakistan attempts to mainstream terrorism

“It is evident that Pakistan has not changed its policy of shielding and supporting non state actors, and its true face is visible for all to see,” media reports quoted MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar as saying.

He also said the release of Saeed reflects the lack of seriousness on the part of Pakistan.

“India is outraged that a self-confessed and UN-proscribed terrorist has been allowed to walk free. Pakistan’s lack of seriousness in bringing perpetrators of terror to justice is evident."

"It is the responsibility of Pakistani government to fulfil its international obligations and take credible and effective action against terrorists like Hafiz Saeed.  India, as indeed the entire international community, is outraged that a self-confessed and UN proscribed terrorist is being allowed to walk free and continue his evil agenda.," the MEA spokesperson said.

In a major development, a review board, comprising judges of the Lahore High Court, refused to extend the detention of  Jamaatud Dawa’s (JuD) chief Hafiz Mohammad Saeed on Wednesday.

The current house arrest of the JuD chief is scheduled to end on Nov 24.

The review board under the chair of Justice Abdul Sami Khan passed these orders after a senior finance ministry official failed to convince the board that the release of Saeed would bring diplomatic and financial problems to the country, Dawn News reported.

Saeed had been put under house arrest since Jan 31.

He was initially put under house arrest for 90 days but the period was later extended more than one time.

Saeed is suspected of masterminding the attack Mumbai in 2008 that killed 166 people.

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