India asks Pak to take action against 'international terrorist' Hafiz Saeed

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday said 'globally designated international terrorist' Hafiz 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.

Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed had on Wednesday praised last month's terror attack at the Pathankot air force base and encouraged similar attacks against India.

Saeed, who is the mastermind of the 2008 Mumbai attacks, also lauded Kashmiri militant leader Sayed Salahuddin, who heads the United Jihad Council (UJC) that has claimed responsibility for the attack.