Pakistan Might Actually Send Hafiz Saeed and Masood Azhar to India—But Here’s the Catch
You know how India’s been saying for years that Pakistan shelters terrorists? Well, in a move nobody saw coming, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto just hinted they might hand over Hafiz Saeed and Masood Azhar—two of India’s most wanted. Sounds like progress, right? But let’s be real—when it comes to India and Pakistan, nothing’s ever that simple.
Who Are These Guys Anyway?
Hafiz Saeed: The Mumbai Attacks Mastermind?
This guy founded Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), which basically everyone calls a terrorist group. He’s the prime suspect behind the 2008 Mumbai attacks—you remember, the one where 166 people died? Pakistan keeps arresting him and then mysteriously letting him go. Funny how that works.
Masood Azhar: Parliament Attack Plotter
Leader of Jaish-e-Mohammed (another banned outfit), Azhar’s accused of planning both the 2001 Parliament attack and the 2019 Pulwama bombing. Pakistan’s always said, “Show us the evidence!” while somehow never finding any themselves.
So What Did Bilawal Bhutto Actually Say?
In classic political fashion, he made it sound like a maybe. The key bits:
- They’ll need a “legal process” (translation: this could take forever)
- India better share evidence (which they’ve probably done a dozen times already)
- Oh, and Pakistan will want something in return—bet it’s about Kashmir
India’s reaction? Basically eye-rolling. One official put it bluntly: “We’ll believe it when we see it.”
The Fine Print Nobody’s Talking About
Let me break down what Pakistan’s really asking for:
- Probably some concession on Kashmir—because they never miss a chance to bring that up
- Evidence so airtight it’d hold up in Pakistani courts (good luck with that)
- International observers to watch the trial—meaning they don’t trust India’s courts
Honestly? This feels less like diplomacy and more like a stalling tactic.
Pakistan’s Track Record: Not Great
Remember when Saeed got “arrested” in 2019? He was out by 2020. Azhar? The guy operates like he’s got diplomatic immunity. So why the sudden change of heart? My money’s on pressure from the FATF—Pakistan’s desperate to get off that grey list.
What India’s Probably Thinking
They’ll play along, but cautiously. Expect them to:
- Keep the heat on through UN channels
- Prepare yet another evidence package (how many is that now?)
- Wait for Pakistan to actually do something instead of just talking
What This Means for Both Countries
If—and that’s a big if—Pakistan follows through, it could actually improve relations. But let’s not kid ourselves. Both governments have hardliners to appease. India wants justice; Pakistan wants to look tough without angering certain… influential groups.
Will They Ever Face Trial in India?
Three big hurdles:
- Pakistan’s courts: They’ve never met a terrorist they couldn’t acquit
- History: Remember when Osama was “not in Pakistan”? Yeah
- Timing: With elections coming, this reeks of political theater
The Bottom Line
Look, I’d love to believe this time is different. But until I see Saeed and Azhar in an Indian courtroom, color me skeptical. Pakistan’s great at making promises and terrible at keeping them where these two are concerned.
FAQs (Because People Always Ask These)
1. Why does India want Hafiz Saeed so badly?
Mumbai attacks. 166 dead. Need I say more?
2. Has Pakistan ever sent anyone like this to India?
A few low-level guys maybe. Never the big fish.
3. What are the odds this actually happens?
Put it this way—I wouldn’t bet my savings on it.
4. Will this fix India-Pakistan relations?
Maybe temporarily. But these two? They always find something new to fight about.
Source: Navbharat Times – Default