Hafiz Saeed's rant proves Pak has no control over him: Congress

Following Jamat-ud-Dawah (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed's statement warning India of more terror attacks, the Congress on Friday asserted that the Pakistan Government had no control over the 26/11 Mumbai attack mastermind and urged the Centre to seek an explanation from Islamabad.

"This is what India wants Pakistan to control rather put an end to. Hafiz Saeed is spitting venom, attacking India and continuously making highly provocative statements. And it's not just a statement but a series of them. So, what has the Pakistan Government got to say to this?" Congress leader P.C. Chacko told ANI.

He added that the Indian Government must seek an explanation from Pakistan over Saeed's statement and alleged that Islamabad had no control over the terrorist.

"He is allowed to make such statements continuously and he is enjoying all the privileges in Pakistan. It means Pakistan is not ready to control or the situation is beyond their control. Whatever it is, the Government of India has to ask Pakistan for an explanation," Chacko said.

Earlier, the JuD chief warned India of more terror attacks.

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"You have only seen one attack on Pathankot. Matters could easily escalate," he said during a rally in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK).

He also alleged that the Indian troops were committing "genocide" on the Kashmiris, adding that "don't they have a right to carry out Pathankot-style attacks for their defence?"

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) yesterday said 'globally designated international terrorist' Saeed continues to enjoy the freedom to indulge in their activities in Pakistan.

"His claims that his various front organisations are carrying out charitable work is a fig leaf. It is not even a fig leaf I would say. They indulge in terrorist activities and terrorist financing, it should be a matter of great concern for everyone that people like Hafiz Saeed and his associates continue to enjoy the freedom to indulge in their activities," said MEA official spokesperson Vikas Swarup.

Swarup also asked Islamabad to initiate action against such elements.

"In October, we had seen that the Government of Pakistan had banned the electronic coverage of some of these organisations including the one to which Hafiz Saeed belongs. But we are seeing now that Hafiz Saeed is making statements after statements and his rallies are being covered. So, obviously the concerned authorities need to take actions," he added.