LHC restrains Punjab govt, centre from arresting JuD chief Hafiz Saeed until further orders

E-Paper | June 17, 2026

The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Wednesday directed the federal and Punjab governments not to arrest or put Jamaatud Dawa chief Hafiz Saeed under house arrest until further orders, DawnNewsTV reported.

Saeed on Jan 23 moved the court against his possible arrest, arguing that the government, under alleged pressure from the United States and India, wanted to arrest him. The court had directed the governments not to arrest him, and ordered them to submit their replies regarding the petitioner's allegations.

The centre and Punjab governments, however, failed to submit their replies, and in today's hearing requested the court for more time to do so.

The court expressed dismay over the respondents' failure to comply with orders, and Justice Ameenuddin Khan, who heard the case today, directed the counsel for both governments to file replies in the case by April 4.

Our readers are at the heart of everything we do.
Do you have a thought to share or a way we can improve? We’d love to hear it. Reach out to us at feedback@dawn.com.

Pakistan

Rana Bilal is a Lahore-based reporter for Dawn News (TV) with over nine years of experience covering legal affairs, justice-sector developments, and environmental issues. He can be found on X at @ranabilaldawn.

US warns of 'damage to bilateral ties, Pakistan’s reputation' over Hafiz Saeed's release

US concerned about JuD chief Hafiz Saeed 'running for office' in upcoming election

US urges Pakistan to re-arrest Hafiz Saeed

ADNAN AZIZ

Mar 07, 2018 03:19pm

But why ? why? why?

Recommend 0

Abhijeet

Mar 07, 2018 04:36pm

Congratulations great work keep it up.!

Recommend 0

dost

Mar 07, 2018 04:37pm

Pakistan govt can come in pressure of world and can tack decision, but no body can pressures judiciary ,they will just act as per law only.

Recommend 0

Mahen

Mar 07, 2018 05:43pm

So silent everybody on the topic related to Pakistan developments

Recommend 0

Joydeep

Mar 07, 2018 08:26pm

Embarrassing ? isn't it ?

Recommend 0

Ali Zafar

Mar 07, 2018 10:03pm

Probably our country will never change or grow. I am not concerned about politicians or one agency, I am concerned about common citizen of my country that makes 90% population.

Recommend 0

Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad

Mar 07, 2018 10:30pm

Excellent decision by the historic Lahore High Court. Infact, no fair, equitable and just court in the whole world could convict a person without evidence and tangible proof. Does India and the U.S. has any solid "smoking gun" type proof against Hafiz Saeed. If yes, bring it on. If no, then please shut-up.

Recommend 0

Hamit

Mar 07, 2018 10:55pm

Thank you LHC, now this man can continue to embarrass Pakistan internationally.

Recommend 0

Shah

Mar 07, 2018 11:02pm

@Abhijeet No need for remarks from people who sent Kulboshan Yadev and then act like he was an angel !!

Recommend 0

Azad

Mar 07, 2018 11:57pm

I wonder what the FATF has to say about this.

Recommend 0

M. Afzal Riaz, MD

Mar 08, 2018 12:21am

If Hafiz Saeed was responsible for terrorist activity, he should face the consequences. Hand over to USA or India. Do not destroy Pakistan,

Recommend 0

Branded Content

K&N's SmartCooking Recipes: Sausage and Bean Soup

A hearty sausage and bean soup brimming with vegetables, herbs and a rich tomato-infused broth.

Why SQD-Mini LED is the display breakthrough we’ve been waiting for?

The display industry is entering a new phase, where reducing trade-offs is as important as pushing performance limits.

The Palms at Silk Gardens introduces a new family address in Karachi

The Palms places families at the heart of its vision, offering thoughtfully planned 2 and 3-bedroom units in a secure, peaceful and community-led environment.