26/11 Mastermind Hafiz Saeed’s Party, His Son To Contest Upcoming Polls in Pakistan

Lahore: Pakistan’s upcoming general elections on February 8th, face a new twist with the Pakistan Markazi Muslim League (PMML) fielding candidates across national and provincial constituencies. The party, founded by Hafiz Saeed, the designated terrorist accused of masterminding the 2008 Mumbai attacks, has sparked concerns about its potential influence in the polls. The party’s electoral symbol is the ‘chair,’ and its candidates, including Hafiz Saeed’s son Talha Saeed, are set to compete in various constituencies.

The PMML aims to establish an Islamic welfare state, according to Khalid Masood Sindhu, the party’s president. He emphasized their commitment to serving the people and fighting corruption, distancing themselves from Hafiz Saeed’s past.

However, Hafiz Saeed’s shadow looms large. Currently serving a sentence for terror financing, he carries a $10 million bounty from the US and leads the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), the group responsible for the Mumbai attacks. The PMML’s connection to LeT’s front organization, Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD), raises questions about their true objectives.

Despite concerns, Sindhu firmly denied any link with Hafiz Saeed, stating, “Our party has no links with Hafiz Saeed.” He will even be contesting against former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in Lahore, adding a layer of intrigue to the already volatile political landscape.

The PMML’s entry into the fray throws Pakistani politics into flux. While they pledge service and transparency, their association with a designated terrorist casts a long shadow. The February elections will be a crucial test for Pakistan’s democracy, as voters decide whether to embrace a party with such controversial ties.