No credible evidence against Hafiz Saeed: Rehman Malik
New Delhi, Dec 14: Notwithstanding pressure from India, Pakistan's Interior Minister Rehman Malik on Friday gave no indication of action being taken against 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed, saying there was no credible evidence to arrest him.
"We have no love lost for Hafiz Saeed. If I got the information today before I leave from here, I will order his arrest," Malik told reporters on his arrival here on a three-day visit during which the visa agreement signed by the two countries in September will be operationalised.
Malik said there has been a lot of propaganda and there has been a lot of pressure on Pakistan. "I have been receiving dossiers with only information," Malik said, adding Saeed had been arrested on three occasions.
New Delhi has conveyed its strong concerns over Saeed being allowed to roam freely in Pakistan and also indulge in provocative anti-India rhetoric.
Malik said a mere statement of Lashker-e-Taiba terrorist Ajmal Kasab, who was executed on Nov 21, about Saeed's involvement in the 2008 Mumbai attacks could not be the only evidence to nail Saeed. "It needs further corroboration," he added.
"I will make public official documents from the court's judgement where Hafiz Saeed has been declared innocent," he said.
He said Pakistan was still investigating and if there is some evidence, necessary action will be taken.
On the issue of terrorism, Malik said non-state actors had been playing havoc with the relationship between the two countries, both facing the scourge for many years.
The minister said he had come with a message of peace and wanted to move in a positive direction.
"I do not want any negativity today. What I want is a positive message, positive view forward and let's forget the dark days. Let's enter with shining stars, with smiling faces and clear hearts."
On Samjhauta investigations, Malik again said, "let's not create any negativity..." and talk on this issue is an ongoing process and it continues.
On Kasab's hanging, he said, "we have categorically stated that we should respect each other's court verdicts."
About his visit, he said it was necessary for building close people-to-people contacts. "Any country, especially neighbouring countries, cannot encourage friendship between them as long as common people don't interact."
Sarabjit Singh's sister and daughter meet Rehman Malik
Indian prisoner Sarabjit Singh's sister and his daughter on Friday met visiting Pakistani Interior Minister Rehman Malik and appealed for his release as early as possible.
Malik told an emotional Sarabjit's sister Daljit Kaur and daughter Sapandeep Kaur that the Pakistan government was trying its best to process Sarabjit's case by following the judicial process.
Malik invited Daljit and her family to visit Pakistan as his personal guest and directed Pakistan High Commission officials to issue them a long term visa to visit the neighbouring country.
"Please come to Pakistan as my guest and stay there as long as you want," Malik told them.
The Pakistan leader told the duo that even today during the delegation level talks with India, Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde had raised the issue of Sarabjit's release and both sides discussed the issue thoroughly.
"Your Prime Minister also raised the issue and we working on it. We are following the judicial process. God willing something will happen," he said.
Daljit Kaur told PTI, "We will apply for visa soon and would visit Pakistan to meet Sarabjit."
Sapandeep said, "I am dying to meet Papa."
Sarabjit Singh is among the prisoners on death row in a Kot Lakhpat jail in Lahore in Pakistan.
He was convicted for alleged involvement in a string of bombings in 1990 though his execution was indefinitely put off in 2008 by the federal government.
PTI