The United Nations has provided updated information regarding the custody of Hafiz Saeed, the mastermind behind the devastating Mumbai terror attack. Saeed, also the leader of the banned organization Jamat-ud-Dawah, is currently serving a lengthy 78-year prison sentence in Pakistan. This imprisonment follows his conviction in seven separate cases related to terror financing.
India has previously urged Pakistan to extradite Saeed, a UN-designated terrorist wanted by Indian investigative agencies in connection to multiple terrorism-related incidents. Notably, Saeed was designated as a global terrorist by the UN Security Council’s 1267 Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee back in December 2008.
The recent amendments made by the Security Council Committee involve updating entries in its ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions List, which pertains to individuals and entities subjected to asset freezes, travel bans, and arms embargoes.
The revised entry by the Sanctions Committee explicitly states that Hafiz Saeed has been under the custody of the Pakistani government since February 12, 2020, serving a 78-year prison sentence due to his involvement in terror financing cases.
Moreover, within these amendments, the Sanctions Committee confirmed the demise of Hafiz Abdul Salam Bhuttavi, a founding member of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Saeed’s deputy. Bhuttavi played a significant role in training the attackers responsible for the 2008 Mumbai terror attack. Additionally, he served as the chief of the terror outfit on at least two occasions. Bhuttavi passed away in May of the previous year while incarcerated in a prison located in Pakistan’s Punjab province. His imprisonment was related to charges of terror financing.
These developments underline the ongoing efforts by international bodies to track and manage individuals and organizations involved in acts of terrorism. The amendments made to the sanctions list by the UN Security Council Committee aim to keep accurate records of individuals and entities associated with terrorist activities. The confirmation of Hafiz Saeed’s custody and the unfortunate passing of Hafiz Abdul Salam Bhuttavi represent significant milestones in this effort.
The Mumbai terror attack of 2008 remains a tragic event in the history of terrorism, prompting continued vigilance and collaboration among nations to combat and bring to justice those responsible for such heinous acts.
It’s crucial to note that these developments not only signify progress in the fight against terrorism but also highlight the complex nature of international cooperation in handling such cases. The cooperation between nations, as well as the role played by international organizations like the UN Security Council, is pivotal in addressing the global threat posed by terrorism.
The imprisonment of individuals like Hafiz Saeed and the demise of individuals like Hafiz Abdul Salam Bhuttavi in connection to terror-related activities underscore the ongoing challenges and efforts required to ensure global peace and security. The UN’s updates on these individuals are essential steps toward curbing terrorism and ensuring justice for victims affected by such devastating acts.