Pakistan withdraws terror charges against Hafiz Saeed

This will possibly let him off the hook for his involvement in Mumbai attacks

Pakistan authorities have withdrawn terrorism charges against Hafiz Saeed and the Jamaat-Ud-Dawa, paving the way for the possible release of the man designated a terrorist by the Un, the U.S. and India for his involvement in 2008 Mumbai attacks.

A Punjab government official told a review board of the supreme court on Saturday that the provincial government had not included charges of terrorism in the new order for Saeed and his aides' detention, and they were now being held under section 3 of the Maintenance of Public order ordinance 1960.

Authorised had earlier detained him under the Anti-Terrorism Act.

Released sought  

His lawyer A.K. Dogar, urged the court to order his released as well as that of his four aides since they were no longer being held under the ATA.

The Lahore high court is expected to decide the applications of Saeed and his aides in the coming week after Justice Mauzair Naqvi asked the government to file charges against them as otherwise, he may have to order their release.

'Would provide evidence'

Earlier on Friday government told a High court judge that it would provide against Saeed and his banned organization in his chamber while urging the court not to grant him any relief.

But it was not made clear when the government would file charges.

Saeed and the JuD are already banned by the U.N, while the U.S has anounced a $10 million bounty for his arrest.