Hamza Ali Abbasi turns out to be an admirer of terror watch suspect Hafiz Saeed

The actor stirs controversy by hailing the Jamaatud Dawa chief for bagging more than 4,000 votes in NA-120 poll

While many were astonished at the number of votes bagged by Hafiz Saeed-led Milli Muslim League (MML) in the NA-120 polls, Hamza Ali Abbasi has stirred a fresh storm by praising the terror watch suspect in his tweets.

The seat fell vacant after Nawaz Sharif was disqualified by the top court following a landmark judgment in the Panama Papers case.

"US/India say he is a terrorist; I know Hafiz Saeed as a righteous man," the renowned actor and show presenter said before adding, "Huge respect for Milli Muslim League for getting 4k+ votes."

#NA120 US/IND say he is a terrorist, i know Hafiz Saeed as a righteous man. Huge respect for Milli Muslim League for getting 4k+ votes.

— Hamza Ali Abbasi (@iamhamzaabbasi) September 17, 2017

The actor then seemed to substantiate his support for the Jamaatud Dawa (JuD) chief, saying, "Hafiz Saeed has done great work against Takfeer & Sectarianism, social work for non Muslims of Pakistan & is a mentor to Kashmiris."

Hafiz Saeed has done gr8 work against Takfeer & Sectarianism, social work for non Muslims of Pak & is a mentor to Kashmiris. https://t.co/ozduEN2Wmv

— Hamza Ali Abbasi (@iamhamzaabbasi) September 17, 2017

Abbasi then appeared to clarify Saeed's stance on his behalf, on Kashmir too. "Hafiz Saeed doesn't hate India or Indians. He only hates & speaks against Indian Govt's atrocities in Indian Occupied Kashmir."

Hafiz Saeed doesn't hate India or Indians. He only hates & speaks against Indian Govt's atrocities in Indian Occupied Kashmir. https://t.co/64xTlbyVzC

— Hamza Ali Abbasi (@iamhamzaabbasi) September 17, 2017

The actor did not miss the opportunity to hit out at PML-N for winning back the crucial seat. "Celebration is for show only. Deep down inside, N League leaders know this is a huge blow for them on their home ground."

Celebration is for show only. Deep down inside, N League leaders know this is a huge blow for them on their home ground. https://t.co/CMF8yQOqKv

— Hamza Ali Abbasi (@iamhamzaabbasi) September 17, 2017

The JuD and its wing the Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation (FIF) were placed on the watch list and put on the second schedule under Section 11-EEE(1) of the Anti-Terrorism Act 1997 after Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan said the government was taking steps to fulfil its international obligations.

Saeed is being kept at his residence, 116-E, in Johar Town, Lahore. The interior ministry in its order had stated that the JuD and the FIF, a charity and public welfare arm of the JuD , were taking steps that were harmful to peace and security and involved in activities that violated the UNSC Resolution 1267.