Can Shahbaz Govt Actually Send Hafiz Saeed & Masood Azhar Back to India? Let’s Break It Down
Here’s the Problem in Plain Terms
Look, we all know Hafiz Saeed (Lashkar-e-Taiba) and Masood Azhar (Jaish-e-Mohammed) are India’s public enemy number one. Mumbai attacks, Pulwama—their groups have blood on their hands. But here’s the kicker: India and Pakistan don’t have an extradition treaty. Zip. Nada. So how the heck does India get them to face trial? That’s the million-dollar question.
1. Who Are These Guys? (Quick Refresher)
Hafiz Saeed – The LeT Boss
- Runs Lashkar-e-Taiba (banned, obviously).
- Brains behind 26/11—you remember, Mumbai 2008? 166 dead.
- UN and US call him a “global terrorist” (duh).
- Pakistan “arrested” him a bunch of times, but it’s like a revolving door. Charges? Weak sauce.
Masood Azhar – JeM’s Top Dog
- Leads Jaish-e-Mohammed (also banned, obviously).
- Behind Parliament attack (2001), Pathankot (2016), Pulwama (2019)—guy’s got a resume.
- Another UN “global terrorist” tag.
- Rumor is, Pakistan’s army treats him like a VIP. Go figure.
2. Why Extradition Is Like Pulling Teeth
No Treaty, No Luck
India and Pakistan hate paperwork, apparently. No extradition deal means legally, Pakistan can just shrug. And let’s be real—decades of mistrust don’t help.
Pakistan’s Game
- Saeed and Azhar? They’re like Pakistan’s twisted chess pieces. Useful until they’re not.
- India asks for extradition, Pakistan goes, “Hmm, maybe next year.” Every. Single. Time.
- Courts there move slower than a Mumbai local at rush hour. Convenient, huh?
3. India’s Options: What Actually Works?
A. Gang Up Globally
- UN sanctions—both guys are already on the list. But Pakistan ignores those like spam emails.
- Get the US, EU to squeeze Pakistan harder. FATF grey-list worked once, maybe again?
B. Legal Backdoors (Maybe?)
- MLAT (Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty)—sounds fancy, but will Pakistan play ball? Doubt it.
- SAARC Terrorist Convention—great on paper, but when’s the last time SAARC did anything?
C. Interpol Hail Mary
- Red Corner Notices—sure, but Pakistan blocks them faster than a bad Tinder match.
D. Catch Them on Vacation (Seriously)
- If they step into UAE or the UK? Boom, extradition. But these guys aren’t stupid—they’ll stay put.
- Remember Abu Jundal? Saudi Arabia handed him over. Small wins.
4. Shahbaz Sharif’s Turn – Will He Do Anything?
- Sharif says he’s against terrorism. But Pakistan’s army calls the shots—not him.
- FATF grey-list exit was a win. Will they risk going back? Unlikely.
- India’s move: Talk sweet or turn the screws? Either way, Pakistan’s military won’t budge easily.
5. Past Wins (and Fails)
- Abu Salem – Got him from Portugal after years. Cost? A ton of legal fees.
- David Headley – US gave info but said, “Nope, can’t extradite.” Thanks, guys.
- Bottom line: Western countries help sometimes. Pakistan? Never.
6. What’s Next? Crystal Ball Time
- Best-case – Pakistan caves to global pressure. (Don’t hold your breath.)
- Worst-case – Status quo. Pakistan keeps playing dumb.
- Wildcard – India pulls a Mossad. Risky, but hey, desperate times.
Final Reality Check
Let’s be honest—India’s chasing ghosts here. Without Pakistan’s cooperation (which won’t happen), justice for 26/11 and Pulwama feels like a pipe dream. But hey, stranger things have happened. Maybe.
Extra Bits
- Timeline – India’s extradition attempts: a history of frustration.
- FAQs – Can India just raid Pakistan? (Bad idea.) What if they never give them up? (Probably.)
- Poll – Will Pakistan ever extradite them? Vote: Yes (😂) / No (Obviously).
Source: Navbharat Times – Default