JeM chief Maulana Masood Azhar is in Pakistan\, admits minister Quershi

JeM chief Maulana Masood Azhar is in Pakistan, admits minister Quershi

Masood Azhar is the chief of JeM that claimed responsibility for the February 14 Pulwama attack in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed

Press Trust of India  |  Islamabad 

masood azhar
Masood Azhar

Pakistan's Foreign Minister has admitted that Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar is in and is "unwell", but said the government can act against him only if India presents "solid" and "inalienable" evidence that can stand in a court of law.

India has handed over a dossier to with "specific details of the JeM complicity in and the presence of and its leadership in Pakistan."

India also expressed regret at the denial by Pakistan's political and military leadership at the presence of terrorist infrastructure in territories under its control.

"He is in Pakistan, according to my information. He is unwell to the extent that he can't leave his house, because he's really unwell," Qureshi told CNN when asked about Azhar.

Azhar is the chief of JeM that claimed responsibility for the February 14 Pulwama attack in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed. India has been repeatedly trying to list him as a "global terrorist" by the UN. However, China, an ally of Pakistan, has blocked India's efforts by using veto.

Qureshi also said that Pakistan will take action against him if presented with "evidence that can stand in a court of law".

"If they have solid, inalienable evidence that is acceptable to courts of Pakistan, share it with us so that we can convince the people and we can convince the independent judiciary of Pakistan," Qureshi said.

"We need to satisfy the legal process," he said.

Qureshi also added that the release of captured IAF pilot Wing Commander is a "peace gesture" and must be seen as Pakistan's "willingness to de-escalate".

Varthaman, who in Pakistan's custody since Wednesday is likely to be released at the Wagah border on Friday.

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First Published: Fri, March 01 2019. 11:30 IST