Hafiz Saeed, the founder of banned group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), now carries a $10 million bounty on his head, The Times of India and Hindustan Times reported on Monday.
The US has announced the reward for the capture or any information leading to the capture of Saeed, making him one of the most wanted persons in the world.
In her maiden visit to India, US Undersecretary of State for political affairs Wendy Sherman told officials and a select audience at the Aspen Institute that apart from Saeed, his brother-in-law and co-founder of LeT Abdul Rehman Makki now carries a bounty of $2 million on his head.
LeT, and principally Saeed, are accused of planning and executing the 26/11 terror attacks in Mumbai. The US has also placed a bounty of $25 million on the head of Ayman al Zawahiri, the head of al Qaeda, after the killing of Osama bin Laden, making him the most wanted terrorist in the world. Saeed is now in the second tier as he will join the links of Mullah Omar and the al-Qaeda chiefs of Iran and Iraq, all of whom carry a reward of $10 million.
Jamaatud Dawa (JuD) spokeperson Yahya Mujahid was not willing to comment on the development despite repeated attempts to contact him.
Earlier, the US State Department had strongly urged Pakistan to prevent Hafiz Saeed from moving freely in the country, freeze the assets of the groups associated with him and stop allowing LeT from acquiring weapons.
“The US government is concerned about the recent public appearances of Jamaatud Dawa leader Hafiz Saeed, including at a recent rally in Karachi,” said the department’s spokesperson Victoria Nuland.
“Lashkar-e-Taiba, and its front group Jamaatud Dawa, are internationally sanctioned because of their associations with al Qaeda. We have and continue to urge the government of Pakistan to uphold its obligations in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 1267/1989,” she said. She recalled that this resolution called for all countries to “freeze assets of sanctioned groups, prevent the transfer of arms to them, and prevent sanctioned individuals from entering or transiting their territories”.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 3rd, 2012.
COMMENTS (128)
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Totally wrong fake and non purpose statement.
@Dr.A.K.Tewari: I think it is becoming very obvious to any clear minded Islamist that the Western motives are absolute world domination in the financial area and World Government. The only way this can be brought about initially is by military domination, and the excuse for invading a country is to accuse that country of doing something naughty. Thus, they create a so called terrorist group, or accuse them of having weapons of mass destruction, or anything that comes of the top of their head. It does not really matter what the accusation is. The Western world will think of something. I am surprised that the South Asia/Middle East countries have not woken up to it. After all the West have been invading and pillaging the area for three hundred years now with Britain originally being the prime mover. Unfortunately, some people never learn.
@PRAVEEN ANEJA: Dear Praveen Aneja, You are half right but obviously have not been keeping up with the body counts. The U.S./NATO combo have killed several million innocent people in the last ten years alone. Unfortunately, the popular press, who get most of their information from Reuters and A.P. usually relate an account of the Taliban, and others, hit list, and do not make public the horrendous Western hit list. It would be of enormous benefit to the world if the various idiots from the West started to seriously talk peace and downed weapons, but if the last ten years are an example they will not do so any time soon. A further point to consider is that we are constantly exposed to Western propaganda, and it is very difficult to make a rational decision based upon the information we receive. The trouble with propaganda is that although there is usually an element of truth in it, it is designed to obscure what is actually happening. However, many people who are subjected to it think they are hearing the truth.
My Wording is all people of the world, We must all have round table meetings, Sharing ideas in a broad range. This is the solution of all concerning problems. Not Hafiz Saeed Not any one else. They are all simple person and American must understand one thing very clearly by threating or showing power is not the solution of any thing. The solution is only by making co-operation with Taliban. If we make Atomic Bomb restrictions are imposed us, why don't for you that things for yourself. Americans must understand that Asians are not slave now, they change now. Keep in your mind one thing that is reality Humans are all equal.
I am not a suppporter of JuD and I don't like Hafiz Saeed or people like him. But my question is who gives USA authority to announce head money for a person who is not an absconder nor anyone has proved anything against him?? Yes he is blamed for attacks in India (but those are still blames) but that matter should be resolved between India and Pakistan. India can take this matter to UN but who asks USA to jump in let alone announcing head money??? According to which international law??
USA is more worried about Syria than Kashmir or Palestine. With dual policies around the world, I don't blame people for their hatred for USA.
Why there is no protest from China?
@Yuri Kondratyuk: Really?? I didn't know that... It was a bluff. Indian and Pakistan should learn that When they have proven facts that terrorist they have captured had a crime they should be hanged accordingly.. i.e Ajmal Kasab and Sarabjit Singh are the examples. Why making theses fuss.???
@Arindom:
Short answer Yes. Why not?
@Ghalib:
he lost his father in 1947, not entire family. so whats the problem?
@waqar: Introspect and you will get the answer
@Jpy: I do not think India is that important that the US will do these things to please us , they are a superpower not India. They decide to do what they want to do only in this case they announced it in Delhi hoping for some added benefit '' Hing lage na phutkari..........
@Salim Ansari: Jealousy would not get you anywhere. Keep believing in Allah and nothing really will happen to please you!
good foreign exchange only export left
In 1947 countless people (from both religion) died. Its in everyone interest to forget that incidence, and live to make the life of all people on the earth VERY PROGRESSIVE. Those, who follow any line of action to Kill innocent people of any country / religion, they just exploit and abuse their religion and try to gather support in their favour in the name of religion or country. Such people are dangerous for society, not only for outside country, but for the same country, where they live. Stop cursing India or US for their fight against Terrorism, As Terrorists have no religion and they belong to no country. Do not support any person or organization of person, who creates hate among people or Kill innocent people of any country.
Well, Hafiz is a very famous personality in the Pakistani politics and the welfare works all over the country, this decision will not only bring more hate for america as well as people of Pakistan will be hurt more from this decision of US. http://syedowais.blogspot.com/
Judiciary , legislature exicutives and media ,all the four pillers of democracy have to work hand in hand to save the emerging new Pakistan with minimum possible loss .
Pakistan on the edge now . We have to facilitate the librals and have to protect them from fanatics . Let's play the game which we have to won for an acceptable PAKISTAN .
They are most Holy Cows of our system so it is not possible for the establishment to do the needful no matter what ever price we have to pay. They are Sand Bags of our borders. Even are Supreme Court has given him clean chit. These elements are always found ' Not Guilty ' but our PMs are either hanged or thrown out of the country.
Some "facts" about Saeed. These are the same facts, recycled for the new kid on the terrorism block :)
1.Saeed had nothing to do with 26/11. It was perpetrated by Indians to malign Muslims and Pakistan. 2. Saeed is dead already. Americans are trying to stage his capture/death. 3. Saeed is a good Muslim. Anybody calling him a terrorist is a Hindu or a Jew agent.
this is an other way of america to pressurize pakistan to do things her way.
No matter whatever enemies of pakistan say about hafiz sahib,we all know that he is a patriot pakistani and a well known social worker striving hard for the betterment of pakistan.he is our hero.he will always be enjoying complete freedom in pakistan.no one can put curbs on his freedom.
They just need info leading to his capture the research fee is $10 m at current value Pak Rs 900m or Rs 90 crore ..............
@Salman Sheikh:
They are in jail.
Now it should be clear to Islamic fanatics all over the world and particularly in Pakistan about the determination of world community mandated to USA to wipe out terrorists operating from Pakistan and other parts of the world . At present when Pakistan is in doldrum about the reopening of the blocked route even then it has been declared to catch the high profile terrorist openly moving on Pakistan soil . NOW ONE CAN EASILY UNDERSTAND THE REAL MEANING OF SUCH AN ANOUNCEMENT AT THIS JUNCTURE !
@M Ali Khan: indian troll lol ..well he has not killed any kid ..what about those indian army who killed and raped girls ,women and kids.....
@jagjit sidhoo: Why are you afraid of admitting the truth. India is the real mastermind behind this move. Otherwise why should US undersecretary declare this in Delhi?? Anyhow a golden opportunity for Pak govt to make some easy money by handing over this dreaded terrorist and do justice to the Mumbai victims
AMERICA why u want him dead . if u think he is a culprit then do trial him . this is open terrorism to demand for the head. U are all fearfull from rising in islam
@let there be peace: Or let the cowboys to seal action and pak shoot them down - to send a message
@hassan: Dude, please don't include me in "all' Pakistanis.
@Ayesha Khan: Lession learned: no matter you are right or wrong, if you pick a fight and wish to win then you better be strong enough. The good side benefit is that you get the "license to bully anyone". Thank god for our Quaid Azem, Allama iqbal for making Pakistan and Dr. Qadeer for our nuclear capability. Now let us built a economically strong Pakistan with Iran, middle East and central Asian States. And US and india if they want.
Zardari will inform and get this money.... :)
What about the proven guilty culprits of Samjhota Express?? Hafiz Saeed is not proven guilty yet or Indians doesn't have any proof against him.
Look who is blaming who for terrorism!
what a joke
These thug states trying to bully Pakistan. We keep our rule of law. Let anyone produce clear evidence and this guy will be convicted in a court of Pakistan. After 4 years the Indians hasn't bothered to share evidence. Instead they are using this matter as political card. Let them, the more pressure the better for Pakistan to reform and come closer
@Mohammad Assad:
Terrorist for one is a terrorist for all the civilized world. God Bless the USA.
@M Ali Khan: So and what would have been your proposal to get Kashmirs independance in a weak Pakistani state after independance? You should go to India, Sir! India annexed Kashmir utilising their military superiority at that time because they wanted it, and still want it, and as long as the muslim kashmiris do not vote for independance or vote for staying with india we support their struggle. Principals. Stay focused on why Paksistan was made !
'LeT, and principally Saeed, are accused of planning and executing the 26/11 terror attacks in Mumbai'
It would make sense to put a 10 million usd bounty on him if he was convicted !!!!!
@Ghalib: read his ful story ..he was born in street
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HafizMuhammadSaeed
Why only Muslims appeared on US Most wanted list ???? Is there any Hindu, Christian, Jews , Communist or people from any other religion The biggest terrorist in this world is US who killed million of Muslims in Iraq, Afghanistan etc and still killing on the name of terrorism
Kill this Mullah, these are the real problem of Pakistan. hang him.
All Pakistanis are solidly behind Hafeez Saeed !
No one will give any info on our great dawa chief ! America, dream on !!!
We don't care for your millions !!!!
Why are Indians overjoyed at this so called news? Is Indian judiciary competent enough to try and sentence the culprit? And is the federal home ministry competent enough to carry out the capital punishments? I think not. Look at the culprits of Parliament bomber, Mumbai attacks and lately Jagir Kaur.Look at what has happened to the culprits of Bombay blasts years back. After a decade justice has not been served.
are they trying to say 'hand him over or there will be another Abottabad like operation.'? In that case he is a liability and deep state will have to either eliminate him in some kind of accident, or at least stage some arrest drama to keep him in a safe custody.
First US put bounty on his head, then Seals or Drones fly over his head. This is exactly what happened to Osama Bin Laden. Any how his life is very short from now.
Hafiz should be careful where he goes from now. The Zardari government officials might gift-wrap Hafiz and hand him over to the Americans to claim the big reward.
He roams freely and protected in Pakistan. If they wanted him dead he would be dead, so this is more of a message to the establishment than anything else.
My questions is, WHY? bring evidences, file the case in the court against him, why you spread terrorism, supporting killing by putting bounty on his head? if he is killed unproven terrorist, he is innocent. now do i have to teach law and humanity to india and america?
Who wants to be the next millionaire from Pak?!
@pakistanibaloch: he was born in 1950. how he lost his family in 1947?
American excuses first Afghanistan then Iraq and now Pakistan hey are desperately looking forward for the betterment of this region it doesn't if they kill millions ....doesn't matter
@Salim Baig (Lahore): so What you say the US presence n afghanistan and will you support Taliban as they are fighting for the freedom of Afghanistan
Mullas will destroy Pakistan if not checked no party in Pakistan has the guts to face them! let America do it
ok, so swap him with Terry johns, Raymond Davis and Afia Siddiqui
Maulana Hafiz Saeed one of the patriotic & statesman of Pakistani. It is sad America not allowing him to live in peace.
Interestingly now Pakistan will deny that Hafeez Saeed lives in Pakistan in same manner they denied about OBL and Dawood Ibrahim.
@Mirza Zulfiqar Baig: When a fight is for freedom, then they are aptly called freedom fighter. When the fight is to create terror by killing innocents to force their personal agenda, it is beyond any doubt termed "TERRORISM".
I wish Afghanistan had the same money as the USA has at the moment. We would love to put a same bounty on Mr. Obama.
Good job done, USA! We Pakhtuns have become sick of establishment's strategic assets!
don`t mock the mockery uncle sam for your vested interests
a mere joke n nothing more.
Then he he said this"http://tribune.com.pk/story/354033/we-hate-nato-forces-jud-ji-protest-potential-reopening-of-supply-routes/" http://tribune.com.pk/story/356946/pak-us-relations-jud-chief-wants-referendum/
And now there is a bounty on his head.
You sow what you reap...
@Falcon:
"While this is a good news, I fear the blow back on Pakistani soil. His supporters in the ranks of TTP and Al-Qaeda can’t reach US and therefore might unleash their anger on innocent civilians in Pakistan."
Somehow I feel that there will be no blow back on Pakistan. These jihadists are really cowards. They can only brainwash others and send them to their death and shall not resk their lives. Now that US has started to put a bounty on the heads of these leaders, they shall stop their terror activities. More importantly, the jihadists cannot do anything without the support from the powers behind them and these powers themselves shall be very guarded now. If I am correct the first signs would be the silence from Hamid Gul and the resolution from the Parliamentary Committee that would be conspicuously silent on Afia Sidiqi and Kashmir. I think that with this masterstroke, Obama has given a death blow to all terrorists in Pakistan. This is good for Pakistan.
Hand him over officially and get concessions worth more than the $10 million. We are far better off without these guys.
@Mard-e-Haq: I am sure the US will support its ally PAK just as PAK has been supporting the US/NATO. I am sure PAK would enjoy receiving the same level and kind of support it has been providing. Don't you?
@BlackJack: "Pointless in practical terms, but undeniable signalling impact."
In practical terms, the Mr. Saeed has no choice but o go hiding. He can not be sure that no-one would be lured by the bounty and hand him over. So for one thing he will stop addressing DPC rallies (can't do it while you are in hiding). Plus other DPC leaders who were spewing venom against US and threatening the government if it DARES to open the supply routes will think twice before doing so. The impact as far as India is concerned is that instead of being anti-US and anti-India, DPC rallies will become solely anti-India.
So I think there is a clear point. They want to tell Pak parliament that if you decide to open up the routes don' t worry about the DPC blokes.
@Mard-e-Haq: Well, you tried and that's what counts.
Pakistan was too hasty in destroying OBL's safe house in Abbotabad. It would have come in handy for Hafiz Saeed. Now the poor man has to find a cave to hide. Sad !!
@Salim Ansari:
Good observation, but you forgot to add " and the Pakistani lobby just got 2 years in prison".
USA used to call such personalities like Osama Bin Laden and Hafiz Saeed as "Mujahideen" (Freedom Fighters) during Soviet occupation of Afghanistan. Now these Mujahideen are being called Terrorists by USA.
Crap
Export him and people like him, please
@anti-jihadist: "dont know about America but Allah(swt) will surely judge this man for his crimes."
True and I agree with you. Hafiz Saeed does not deserve even a cursory greeting like Allah Hafiz.
Another Usama Bin Laden born. This is message by USA to Pakistan that they are preparing for another adventure in Pakistan. Usama has made the image of Islam bad and provided nothing except adventurism to Americans in the name of Terrorism. All this has economically benefited to Americans. hence, there will be bounties again and again and after every Usama Bin Laden.
strange such an honest man is being targeted...
@Salim Ansari: This has got nothing to do with the Indian lobby, US citizens ( i think 2 of them) were killed on 26/11. They do not take their citizen being killed lightly unlike our govts.
Excellent decision! Although a Pakistani but fully support the move. We do not need terrorists like him instead we would be happy with more Imran Khan's, Edhi's, etc. Enough bloodshed.
Some very interesting comments. I think one suggestion that the US should take a position on Kashmir is an excellent idea. I wonder if PAK has thought of the possibility that the US might come out in support of India on this? I doubt it as PAK believes it holds all the cards that need to be played. Would such a position damage the US? I for one do not think so. Just what is PAK going to do support terrorism, not open the NATO supplies lines, ????
@Salim Ansari: It might be the "Indian lobby" or - shock-horror, Hafiz might not be the angel that you think he is!! The days of sending trained-terrorists to wreak havoc on the neighbors is coming to an end. It might be hard to digest but it is the reality.
Just send the Navy Seal & Kill This Terrorist.... Why Spend $$$ on this hate monger?
US should force the Saudis to stop financing Saeed; he is just too resourceful
ashame full for pakistan and pakistani agencies, jis aadmee ney saree zindagee aap k leay kaam kia aap us per protest bhee naheen ker parehey
Come to think of it, the US announcement in Delhi was subtly deliberate to provoke another 26/11 style attack. Why couldn't Wendy Sherman announced this a week or fortnight in advance instead of being seen to cave in to Indian demands? Maybe, the US wants another Pakistan-India tussle and we all know who they will side this time.
Why all the cheap talk behind the expensive reward? Just come and 'git him.
@pakistanibaloch: he lost his family in 1947 yes. but then he sent thousands of young kids to die in Kashmir for a useless and damaged cause.
Kashmir was not supposed to be hijacked by Islamist idiots. But sadly it did, and it made the lives of Kashmiris and others fooled by promise of 'Jihad' utterly miserable.
We do NOT need Hafiz Saeed.
well done America! Help us rid of these monsters. They are, off course, ur own creation but thanks that u r clearing this filth.
Why not just hand him over officially and get the bounty for the ppl of Pakistan. We could get much needed money for the budget. It would actually help the GoP cover some of its obligations.
Mad dogs cannot be left unattended for ever. It should be shown the door.
Pointless in practical terms, but undeniable signalling impact.
@pakistanibaloch
I know you just want to attract comments.
Guys, ignore this fellow's comments.
Now India shall be very very rejoice and happy on this US' statement and this US' statement shows and proves the enmity and fear of Hafiz Saeed for Indian and US' governments and it may be possible that Hafiz Saeed has to be killed by the US' special forces like Osama Bin Laden in Abbotabad and our leaders only see what has happened.
@Mohammad Assad: You are right!!! Hafiz and his team has little to do with US.
Here's a golden opportunity for Pakistan to earn some more money for its armed forces. Just hand over Hafiz Saeed and get 10 million US dollars.
Bounty on Hafiz Saeed's head? He is a pillar of Pakistani society and a founding father of Difa-e-Pakistan. The next DeP rally will be very interesting. Will he show up? Will PTI send its representative? Will Hamid Gul stand side-by-side with Hafiz and risk a bounty too? Interesting times.
Hafeez is a great man he is trying to reduce global warming by bringing down the population of many countries by litrrally killing them. instead of capturing him better is to eliminate him. he's a curse on pakistan i dont consider him muslim at all.
Indian lobby in America has become too strong.
What about the two Israeli citizens - allegedly 'tourists' - who (according to Indian police records) used to check into hotels in India just months before 26/11 along with David Coleman Headley, who has been convicted of planning the attack? What's the bounty on their head? Were they charged along with Headley? Kind of strange that some disgruntled Muslim terrorist would be touring India with Israeli friends while he's simultaneously planning a terrorist attack. And what about the US DEA (Drug Enforcement Agency), who Headley was working for while traveling to India to plan the attacks - what did they know about what Headley was doing? Or for that matter, the other US government agency whose agents often criss-cross with DEA agents in the Af-Pak region (where Headley was working) - the CIA? Something tells me the State Department isn't putting any bounties on the CIA guys any time soon (not least the Israelis). I would post links to the proof but whenever I've done for that 26/11 ET seems to have censored it for some reason, so I'm not even going to bother now.
Guys, this is a pretty good way of making ten million USD. Whoever captures him will be a rich man or woman.
This is serious. Perhaps a pressurizing move in light of the parliamentary review?
Good Publicity! - now Hafiz Saeed can say he is No:1 in Pakistan. Won't be surprised if he runs for elections and becomes a Member of Parliament! Is the US going to 'dronise' the Parliament then?!
@pakistanibaloch: But, under the drone, you will be counted as collateral damage only...
Good news, RIP Mumbai victims.
Bounty on head is supposed to be for someone who is hiding but he is enjoying freedom and everyone knows his whereabouts. He and his organization openly set up thousands camps and helped the flood and quake affectees more than UN and Pakistani Government.
@Mohammad Assad: US citizens were killed in 26/11.
dead already.
@pakistanibaloch Be with him please. Don't worry US won't put a price on you, you are free along with Hafiz Saeed.
dont know about America but Allah(swt) will surely judge this man for his crimes.
The best news ever. Can we get some navy Seals to do this job or drones would be enough?
@PTI till death: " ... Take care of your economy instead of distributing money…Senseless people ... "
Your friend China will happily lend the money.
the only person who thrills the indians GOD BLESS HIM
Now I am sacked, otherwise I would have probably earned additional $10,000,000.00. Reinstate me and Hafiz Saeed will be yours Sam Uncle Jee.
When will the US get it right! Hafiz Saeed represents an ideology, eliminating a name will do very little to change anything.
While this is a good news, I fear the blow back on Pakistani soil. His supporters in the ranks of TTP and Al-Qaeda can't reach US and therefore might unleash their anger on innocent civilians in Pakistan.
Ok, it is time for Pakistan army to either hide or ditch it's asset. With a track record of hiding Osama for a decade, army may choose that over ditching. After all, de-addiction is a difficult thing to do, and mostly done under supervision of someone else.
This is clearly a conspiracy to malign Pakistan.
These people run charity. They are not terrorists. The A K 47s which you see by their sides, are all toys, not real ones.
Another May 2, 2011, OBL like operation is in the offing.
Since, Pakistanis are fans of India upholding UN resolutions when it comes to Kashmir, they should uphold UN resolution 1267/1989.
Just send a drone up his alley.
This news is confirmed by US State department website. Good job, Tribune.
Here is link to the US govt website www.rewardsforjustice.net/index.cfm?page=saeed&language=english Physical description of Mr Saeed is quite funny where they describe color of his hair as "red". Could not stop laughing . Its a statement on the amount of red henna Mr Hafeez uses to color his beard. Here is the full list. is Mr. Hafeez and Mr Makki, first 2 Pakistani citizens to be put on this list by US ? http://www.rewardsforjustice.net/index.cfm?page=Wanted_Terrorist&language=english
The strategic asset now has a dollar value , 10 million dollars.
This is a good news. I like it. Hafiz Saeed...your days are numbered.
Here is link to the US govt website
www.rewardsforjustice.net/index.cfm?page=saeed&language=english
Physical description of Mr Saeed is quite funny where they describe color of his hair as "red". Could not stop laughing . Its a statement on the amount of red henna Mr Hafeez uses to color his beard.
Here is the full list. is Mr. Hafeez and Mr Makki, first 2 Pakistani citizens to be put on this list by US ? http://www.rewardsforjustice.net/index.cfm?page=Wanted_Terrorist&language=english
US is our best friend. They send raymend davis to our country and capture hafiz saeed. I don't know why our countrymen hate US. After sirya falls pakistan is the most priority of US.
Take care of your economy instead of distributing money...Senseless people
Long overdue move. But I don't think it will make one iota of difference to Pakistan where Hafiz enjoys widespread support and patronage. But the noose is slowly closing on him. The cover of "charity" that he was using had been blown a long time ago.
I am expecting a retraction or rather a clarification from the US very soon. I dont expect them to a put a bounty on Hafiz Saeeds head when he has little or nothing to do with the US, even though they have put LeT and JuD as declared terrorist organizations.
If true this is a very welcome and remarkable step. India has lot to learn. In last 20 years , India has only complained and whined about Daood Ibrahim and Hafeez Saeed, without being effective.