UNSC Allows Global Terrorist Hafiz Saeed To Get Funds For 'Basic Needs' On Pakistan's Request

Hafiz Saeed will be allowed to withdraw money from his frozen bank account for 'basic needs' after Pakistan government made a request to United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Pakistan has approached UNSC with a request to release monthly expenses for Saeed, the 2008 Mumbai attack mastermind and globally designated terrorist. The council has 'approved' the letter after no objections were raised to it within the set deadline.

Hafiz Saeed's bank accounts were frozen by the Pakistani government complying with the UNSC resolution declaring him a global terrorist. Pakistan had requested the UN to let Hafiz Saeed withdraw PKR 1,50,000 (approximately $1,000) to cover necessary basic living expenses for him and his family.

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In a notification dated August 15 the UNSC committee pursuant to resolution 1267, 1989, 2253, said, "The Chair has the honor to refer to his draft letter to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan communicating the Committe's decision with respect to the intention of the Pakistan authorities to authorize certain expenditures to the benefit of Hafiz Muhammad Saeed (ODi.263), Haji Muhammad Ashraf (ODi.265) and Zafar Iqbal (ODi.308) to cover basic expenses, as specified in the note verbale of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan pursuant to paragraph 81 (a) of resolution 2368 (2017)."

"The Chair wishes to inform the members that no objections were placed by the set deadline of 15 August 2019 for the consideration of the draft letter. Consequently, the letter is approved and the Chair will instruct the Secretariat to dispatch it," the letter added.

Pakistan in a letter to UN Security Council 1267 Committe has contended that Hafiz Saeed supports a family of four members, as a sole supporter, he is responsible for food, drink and clothes expenses for all family members.

The plea also says that Hafiz Saeed needs Pak Rupees 1,50,000 to cover the basic expenses of his family and himself.

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In its appeal to the UNSC, Pakistan government has said that they have received a request from Hafiz Saeed, who has "worked as assistant professor in University of Engineering and Technology Lahore for the period 1974 to 1999, he had completed a pensionable service of 25 years and drawing a pension of 45700 through his bank account...".

Pakistan's request comes at a time when its been repeatedly claiming that it is taking stringent action against terrorists.

In May, Pakistan's Counter-Terrorism Department had booked Hafiz Saeed and top leaders of Jamaat-ud-Dawa under charges of terror financing. The authorities had also arrested Saeed on July 17 in a terror financing case. He is currently in Lahore's Kot Lakhpat jail.