Hafiz Saeed's son Talha Saeed is contesting from a Lahore constituency
New Delhi:
As Pakistan preps for the February 8 general elections, a political front backed by 26/11 Mumbai attacks mastermind Hafiz Saeed is in the poll contest. Among its candidates is Hafiz Saeed's son and Laskhar-e-Taiba leader Hafiz Talha Saeed.
Here are 5 facts on Hafiz Talha Saeed
- Hafiz Talha Saeed is considered No. 2 in Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), second only to his father. Last year, the Home Ministry declared him a designated terrorist under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. The notification said Talha Saeed has been actively involved in recruitment, fund collection, planning and executing attacks by LeT in India.
- India has also been trying to get Talha Saeed designated as a United Nations-listed terrorist. The US has backed India on this subject, but New Delhi's repeated attempts to get Hafiz Talha designated as a terrorist with the UN have been blocked by China.
- Hafiz Talha Saeed hit headlines in 2019 after a failed assassination attempt left an LeT supporter dead and seven others injured. Hafiz Talha was to speak at a religious gathering at a refrigerator store in Lahore when an explosion took place. He escaped with some injuries.
- Talha Saeed has filed nomination papers to contest from Lahore's NA-122 constituency. The big name who may contest from the seat is former Pakistan Prime Minister and legendary cricketer Imran Khan, who is now in jail.
- Earlier attempts by Hafiz Saeed, now in jail, to kick off his political career have not yielded much success. He had fielded candidates from his Allah-o-Akbar Tehreek party on 265 seats in the 2018 polls, but ended up with a zero score. This time, he has entered the polls with a new party named Pakistani Markazi Muslim League and is contesting all seats.
