Pakistan Denies Hafiz Saeed’s Extradition, Citing Treaty Absence

Pakistan has reportedly declined India’s request for the extradition of Hafiz Muhammad Saeed, the alleged mastermind of the 2008 Mumbai attacks, citing the absence of an extradition treaty between the two countries. The spokesperson for Pakistan’s Foreign Office, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, confirmed the receipt of India’s extradition request, emphasizing the lack of a bilateral extradition treaty. The statement implied that Pakistan would not consider the request due to the absence of such a treaty.

India’s External Affairs Ministry spokesperson had earlier informed the media in New Delhi about the formal communication sent to Pakistan, seeking the extradition of Hafiz Saeed. The spokesperson highlighted that Saeed is wanted in numerous cases in India and is also a UN-proscribed terrorist. The extradition request was accompanied by relevant supporting documents, and it was noted that the issue had been flagged due to Saeed’s alleged activities.

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Hafiz Saeed was listed by the UN 1267/1989 al-Qaida Sanctions Committee as an individual associated with the al-Qaida terrorist organization shortly after the 2008 Mumbai attacks. The US had announced a $10 million reward for information about Saeed. Last year, a Pakistani court sentenced him to 31 years in prison for terror financing, a move aimed at meeting the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) requirements to be removed from its monitoring list.

The rejection of India’s extradition request underscores the complex and strained relations between the two neighboring countries, with issues related to terrorism and security contributing to diplomatic challenges.