KARACHI: The Pakistan government had not allowed the Mumbai attack mastermind and Jammat-ud-Dawa (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed to lead Eid-ul-Fitr prayers at his favourite venue, Qaddafi Stadium in Lahore, on Wednesday, 5 June, PTI reported.
This is for the first time in years that Saeed offer prayers at a local mosque close to his residence.
“JuD chief Saeed wanted to lead the Eid prayers at the Qaddafi Stadium, but he was conveyed by an official of the Punjab government a day before (Tuesday) that he could not do so. In case he goes ahead with his plan (to lead the Eid prayers), the government may arrest him, the official privy to the development told PTI.
Without any hindrance, Saeed, for several years reportedly leading the Eid-ul Fitr and Eid-ul Azha prayers at the Qaddafi Stadium. At the same time, the government also provided him with firm security. He not only lead the prayers but also also propagated his views in front of a large crowd gathered on such religious festivals.
After the horrific Mumbai attacks in which 166 people were killed, Saeed was banned by the United Nations on 10 December 2008.
His organization JUD has been declared as a terrorist organization by the United Nations.