Left with no option but to "follow government's directive", Saeed offers Eid prayers at local mosque
Lahore: After being declared as a global terrorist by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for being the perpetrator and planner of terror attacks in India, Jamat-ud-Dawah chief Hafiz Saeed was denied by the Pakistan government on Wednesday to lead Eid prayers at his favourite venue, the Qaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
“JuD chief Saeed wanted to lead the Eid prayers at the Qaddafi Stadium but he was conveyed by an official of the Punjab government a day before (Tuesday) that he could not do so. In case he goes ahead with his plan (to lead the Eid prayers) the government may arrest him”, reported PTI.
Saeed was left with no other option but to “follow the government’s directive”. Later, Saeed, the chief of UN-designated terrorist organisation JuD, offered his prayers at a local mosque adjacent to his Jauhar Town residence.
It has been reported that Saeed had been leading the prayers of both Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Azha at the Qaddafi Stadium for last many years without hindrance. Rather the government used to provide him foolproof security. He not only led prayers here but also propagated his views especially on Kashmir before a large gathering of people who assembled on such religious festivals.
In March, Saeed was barred from delivering his weekly Friday sermon at Jamia Masjid Qadsia, the JuD headquarters in Lahore – by the Pakistani government.
Saeed, who has been banned by the UNSC for the 2008 Mumbai attacks, is keeping a low profile since the Imran Khan government launched a crackdown on proscribed organisations.
Many have noted this as the increase in power, potential and importance of India in the south Asian region and global forum, including that of the UN.
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