Bilawal Bhutto Hints at Possible Extradition of Hafiz Saeed, Masood Azhar; Sparks Backlash from LeT Chief’s Son

Islamabad, July 8:In a statement that has sparked political and ideological backlash, Pakistan’s former Foreign Minister and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has indicated that Islamabad may not oppose the extradition of banned terror group leaders Hafiz Saeed and Masood Azhar as a possible confidence-building measure with India.

Speaking in an interview with Al Jazeera, Bhutto said that Pakistan could consider extradition of individuals like the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) founder and the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief as part of a “comprehensive dialogue” where terrorism is among the key issues.

“As part of a comprehensive dialogue with Pakistan, where terrorism is one of the issues that we discuss, I am sure Pakistan would not be opposed to any of these things,” he said.

Both LeT and JeM are designated as banned organisations under Pakistan’s National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA). Hafiz Saeed, the alleged mastermind of the 2008 Mumbai attacks, is currently serving a 33-year sentence in Lahore's Kot Lakhpat Jail for terror financing. Masood Azhar, a UN-designated global terrorist, remains at large and is one of India’s most-wanted fugitives.

Azhar has been linked to numerous high-profile attacks in India, including the 2001 Parliament attack, the 2016 Pathankot airbase attack, and the 2019 Pulwama suicide bombing. He was released from Indian custody in 1999 in exchange for hostages during the Indian Airlines Flight IC-814 hijacking to Kandahar.

‘Lack of Indian Cooperation Hampers Prosecution’: Bilawal

Bilawal clarified that prosecutions against these individuals in Pakistan have primarily focused on domestic charges such as terror financing. He alleged that the Indian government’s reluctance to share judicial evidence has impeded progress on cross-border terrorism cases.

“India is refusing to comply with certain basic elements required for conviction,” Bhutto said, citing the lack of evidence-sharing and testimony from Indian witnesses. “If India is willing to be cooperative in that process, I am sure there will be no hurdle in extraditing any individual of concern,” he added.

He also took aim at India’s counter-terrorism doctrine, calling the post-Operation Sindoor strategy a “new abnormal,” and warned that such unilateral actions serve neither nation’s long-term interests.

When asked about the current status of the two militant leaders, Bilawal affirmed that Hafiz Saeed remains in custody. On Masood Azhar, he said, “It is our belief that he is in Afghanistan.” He added that if India provides credible evidence that Azhar is on Pakistani soil, “we will be more than happy to arrest him.”

Talha Saeed Condemns Bhutto’s Remarks

The comments drew sharp criticism from Talha Saeed, son of Hafiz Saeed, who issued a strongly worded statement condemning Bilawal’s remarks.

“His statement is against state policy, national interest, and sovereignty,” Talha said on Sunday. “Bilawal Bhutto is either unaware of ground realities or is endorsing the enemy’s narrative.”

Questioning the patriotism behind Bhutto’s remarks, Talha asked, “Can a state representative suggest handing over Pakistani citizens to an enemy country?” He also defended his father, asserting that none of Hafiz Saeed’s actions have been against Pakistan’s interests.

The issue of extradition remains a sensitive subject in Pakistan’s political and security landscape, especially concerning individuals accused of orchestrating high-profile attacks in India. Bhutto’s comments, though diplomatically framed, have reopened a contentious debate on Islamabad’s counter-terrorism commitments and regional diplomacy.