Nirupama Subramanian

ISLAMABAD: Arguments by A.K. Dogar, counsel for Jamaat-ud-Dawa chief Hafiz Saeed, in the Lahore High Court that led to Tuesday’s order for his release from detention centred on the failure of the government to provide the JuD chief with grounds for his detention within the stipulated 15 days. He maintained that the grounds, when they were finally provided to Mr. Saeed, referred mainly to the U.N. resolution. The resolution did not specify the arrest of the designated individuals, and demanded only a travel ban, an assets freeze and arms embargo.

The lawyer argued that pressure from India and the U.S. had forced the Pakistan government to compromise on the country’s sovereignty and act against the JuD and its leadership. He described the group as an “unarmed” charity that ran educational institutions and health camps, including schools for girls whose students were examination toppers…(Full Text)