Trump reaction to Hafiz Saeed arrest unveils ignorance of US President
By Ain Ali / Shiite News Exclusive
The reaction to arrest of Hafiz Saeed has exposed US President Trump’s ignorance regarding Pakistan based Jamaatud Daawa (JuD) leader. And also another fact that US pressure works.
Most importantly, President Trump tweeted yesterday: “After a ten year search, the so-called “mastermind” of the Mumbai Terror attacks has been arrested in Pakistan. Great pressure has been exerted over the last two years to find him!”
However, apart from his ignorance, his tweet has another point that must not go unnoticed!
Hence, President Trump’s tweet also showed that Pakistan has detained Hafiz Saeed under US pressure.
Most importantly, he disclosed of great pressure for last two years to “find him.”
Factually, he meant US pressure on Pakistan to arrest and to detain Hafiz Saeed.
The entire world knows Hafiz Saeed had not gone into hideout. He had been freely moving across Pakistan.
Hence, on one hand President Trump’s tweet showed his ignorance. And on the other, it also implied that Pakistan has detained Hafiz Saeed under US pressure.
Also, the timing matters very much. The arrest and detention of Hafiz Saeed came days prior to Prime Minister Imran Khan’s US visit.
That also shows US administration has told Pakistan government to take some confidence building measures (CBMs).
However, Hafiz Saeed remains a bone of contention between India and Pakistan and not directly fall under bilateral Pakistan-US relations.
Therefore, US administration “great pressure” on Pakistan for last two years uncovered another aspect i.e. US pleased India.
It remains to be seen if the Pakistan government actions fall under quid pro quo or these are merely unilateral steps under US pressure.
But, any steps taken under US pressure will continue to tarnish image of Pakistan as a sovereign and independent nation-state. Rule of law requires actions as per law on merit and not under pressure from a foreign country.
Pakistani nation seems to be cautiously waiting for Prime Minister Imran Khan’s meeting with US President Trump on July 22.
They also know ignorant Trump knows well how to dictate Pakistan government to do more to advance US interests in South Asia!
trump reaction hafiz saeed
