Controversy In Pakistan Over Bilawal Bhutto's Extradition Remark

A political storm has erupted in Pakistan following former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto’s recent comments suggesting Islamabad could consider extraditing wanted terrorists to India as a confidence-building gesture, Times of India reported.

Bhutto’s statement has provoked sharp criticism from Talha Saeed, son of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) chief Hafiz Saeed, who accused him of making an “irresponsible offer”.

During an interview with Qatar-based Al Jazeera on Friday (4 July), Bhutto stated Pakistan had no objection to extraditing figures such as Hafiz Saeed and Jaish-e-Mohammed leader Masood Azhar to India, provided New Delhi demonstrated “willingness” to cooperate.

He referred to the move as a potential “confidence-building measure”.

Responding through a video message on Sunday (5 July), Talha Saeed denounced Bhutto’s remarks, insisting they had brought shame to Pakistan globally.

He said that Bhutto's suggestion to hand over his (Talha's) father to India was unacceptable and would be opposed.

Talha further argued that instead of discussing the extradition of Pakistani citizens, Pakistan’s government should be demanding the extradition of Indian leaders.

He questioned Bhutto’s credibility, alleging that his family had historically aligned with Western and Indian narratives against Pakistan.

Both Hafiz Saeed and Talha Saeed remain listed as global terrorists by the US Treasury Department.

Shortly after Talha’s video surfaced, the Pakistan Markazi Muslim League, a political wing associated with LeT and Jamaat-ud-Dawa issued a statement blaming India for terrorism within Pakistan.

The party alleged that the Indian state was the mastermind behind terror campaigns in Pakistan and globally.

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