Daijiworld Media Network – New York

New York, Sep 25: Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif faced questions from reporters over Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) founder Hafiz Saeed during his visit to the United Nations headquarters for the 81st UN General Assembly on Thursday, but declined to respond.

As Sharif entered the UN headquarters, a reporter asked him, “Prime Minister, when will you stop harbouring terrorists?” Sharif did not respond and continued into the premises. Later, while leaving the headquarters, he was asked when Pakistan would prosecute LeT chief Hafiz Saeed. He again did not answer.

Hafiz Saeed, founder of the proscribed LeT, has been designated as a terrorist by India under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. He is also an accused in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack case.

The National Investigation Agency has additionally named Saeed as an accused in its supplementary chargesheet in the April 22, 2025 Pahalgam terror attack case, alleging his involvement in the wider conspiracy.

The questions came amid renewed scrutiny of Pakistan's record on terrorism during the UN General Assembly. A day earlier, Indian diplomat Kshitij Tyagi, exercising India's right of reply at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, criticised Pakistan over its remarks on India and raised concerns about alleged cross-border terrorism and the situation in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

Tyagi said Pakistan should focus on development rather than territorial claims and what he described as the export of terrorism. He also referred to reports of civilian deaths, arrests and restrictions on essential supplies in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Sharif's non-response to the questions regarding Saeed came as his government faces continued questions over Pakistan-based militant groups and individuals wanted in terror-related cases.