India's concerns over Saeed's acquittal 'misplaced': Pak

Islamabad, Jun.3 (ANI): Pakistan has said that India's concerns on the acquittal of the Jamaat-ud-Daawa (JuD) chief Hafeez Saeed were 'misplaced', and that it should refrain from commenting on a decision of a court of law.

"The views expressed therein are misplaced. It is best not to comment on a court decision," The News quoted a Foreign Office spokesman, as saying.

The spokesman rebuked New Delhi's claims that Islamabad was not serious to counter the threat posed by extremists breeding on its soil saying Pakistan was well aware of its obligations under national and international laws.

He also claimed that Pakistan is probing the Mumbai attacks sincerely, and is committed to bring the perpetrators to justice.

"Polemics and unfounded insinuations cannot advance the cause of justice in civilised societies. Legal processes cannot and must not be interfered with," he said.

Earlier, External Affairs Minister S M Krishna had said that Pakistan's action cast doubts on the sincerity of Islamabad in fighting terror.

"Terror has to be fought and has to be contained. It is regrettable that Pakistan has resorted to this. This only shows that Pakistan's seriousness about fighting terror is still under a cloud," said Krishna.

On Tuesday, a full bench of the Lahore High Court ordered the release from house arrest of Saeed, the prime accused of the November 2008 Mumbai attacks, on the basis of a habeas corpus petition filed by his lawyer. The high court said that it had not received substantial evidence to continue the detention of Saeed.

The Lahore High Court also ordered the release of another Jamaat-ud-Dawa leader, Colonel (retired) Nazir Ahmad.

The bench, comprising Justice Ijaz Ahmad Chaudhry, Justice Hasnat Ahmad Khan and Justice Zubdatul Hussain, heard arguments of the petitioners" counsel after those of the attorney general.

Saeed was put under house arrest on December 11 last year, and his release was made after five months and 20 days.

Pakistan Attorney General had earlier told the Lahore High Court, that the government had enough proof against Saeed to warrant extension of his arrest, but could not produce that evidence in court. He had also said that Saeed had undeniable links with the Al Qaeda. (ANI)