Pakistan says Hafiz Saeed’s JuD on observation since 2003

Islamabad: Interior minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, in his written response to a question of by senator Farhatullah Baber, told the house, “JuD has been on observation under Section 11D of the Anti-Terrorism Act 1997 since November 15, 2003,” he said, adding that any organisation proscribed under Section 11 B of ATA 1997 was prohibited from any activities, including charity work under a different name.

“The activities of JuD are monitored by law enforcement agencies and if report of any of such activity (having connection with Laskhar-e-Tayyaba) that fulfils requirement of Section 11 B of ATA was presented, the organisation shall be proscribed,” he said.

The minister told the Senate that currently JuD was placed under observation under Section 11 D of ATA vide SRO no 1040 (1)/2003 E.No. 7/26/2001-Pol.1 (3) (iv) dated 15 November 2003 and monitored in all provinces for any suspected activity.

He said that its offices were closed between 2008 and 2010, but Lahore high court (LHC) gave it relief and these were re-opened. Currently, the JuD is engaged in charity and social work, operating hospitals, clinics, schools, ambulance service and religious institutions, Mr Khan said.

He said banned Jaish-e-Mohammed was suspected to be running charities with the names of six organisations including Khuddamul Islam, banned; Jamiatul Furqan banned; Al-Akhtar Trust, UNSCR listed; Al-Rasheed Trust, UNSCR listed; Al-Rehmat Trust, US listed and Al-Anfaaal Trust, US listed.