Despite Pakistan govt's opposition, Hafiz Saeed opens MML office in Lahore

Pakistan govt has requested a court in Islamabad not to consider Saeed-backed MML's plea seeking its registration as a political party

Press Trust of India  |  Lahore 

Hafiz Saeed, Milli Muslim League, MML party, Lahore, Pakistan
File photo of Hafiz Saeed in Lahore, Pakistan

Mumbai attack mastermind has opened the first office of the (MML), days after the government said the group would breed violence and extremism in while opposing a plea seeking its registration as a political party.

has confirmed that his organisation (JuD) would contest the 2018 general elections under the banner of the MML.


The MML is the offshoot of the banned (LeT) and JuD, according to the government.

The MML had challenged the Election Commission's order in October that had declined its registration as a political party.

yesterday inaugurated the office of Lahore's National Assembly-120 constituency from where a member had contested by-polls in September.

Despite refusal from the interior ministry to register the MML as a political party, pressed ahead with his plans to take the political plunge.

The government has requested a court in not to consider Saeed-backed MML's plea seeking its registration as a political party, saying the group would breed violence and extremism in

The interior ministry has categorically made it clear that the state will not allow mainstreaming of

Saeed's visit and an opening of a political office in indicate that he has ambitious plans to enter into

During his visit to Mohni Road area adjacent to Data Sahib shrine, he listened to civic problems of people. People welcomed by showering rose petals on his vehicle in the area. The headquarters in Chauburji also falls in NA-120.

The MML had secured the fourth position with 6,000 votes, double than that of Peoples Party (PPP) and Jamaat- i-Islami combined.

Saeed, who carries a bounty of $10 million announced by the US for his role in terror activities, walked free on November 24 after the government decided against detaining him further in any other case. He was under detention since January this year.

The banned is believed to be the front organisation for the which carried out the 2008 Mumbai terror attack in which 166 people were killed.

First Published: Mon, December 25 2017. 13:52 IST