India should pursue case against Hafiz Saeed internationally if it has proof: Pak

Pak Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has said that if India thinks there is substance to its allegations against Jamaatud Dawa (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed it should pursue charges against him on an international forum.

PM Abbasi, in an interview with Bloomsburg News, said that the Lahore High Court had decided to release the JuD leader as there were no charges against Saeed, and that the decision to free him was within the bounds of the law.

"The court, a three-judge bench, has released him saying there are no charges against him, the country has a law you know," Abbasi told Bloomberg. "Prosecute him internationally if there is substance to these charges - these are accusations only. No evidence has been provided by India."

According to Bloomberg, India claimed it has provided evidence to Pakistan. However, Indian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Raveesh Kumar did not respond to requests for comments, the report said.

The prime minister also brushed aside United States (US) accusations that Pakistan provides sanctuary to militant groups, saying that attacks in the region are originating from Afghanistan.

PM Abbasi said that Pakistan would act against terrorists found within its borders, including those belonging to the Haqqani network.

"We have asked the US to share any intelligence about the Haqqani network and we will take action against them," Abbasi said.

Abbasi added: "We have pinpointed the sanctuaries of the attackers. Cross-border infiltration from Afghanistan is the order of the day."