Alleged Islamic terrorist with $10m bounty on his head offers to help US with aid for Superstorm Sandy victims
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.An alleged terrorist leader with a $10m bounty on his head has offered aid to the US following a devastating Superstorm.
Hafiz Saeed, pledged the support of his organisation Jamaat-ud-Dawa, offering to send medicine, food and volunteers to those on the East Coast affected by the storm.
In a written statement, Saeed said it was his duty under the Islamic religion to offer help, regardless of the fact the US has put a bounty on his head.
The US , however, rejected the offer saying they could not take it seriously.
The Embassy in Islamabad posted on their Twitter feed: 'We respect the Islamic tradition of help to the needy, we can't take Hafiz Saeed's offer seriously.
'Saaed is wanted for suspected involvement in the Mumbai attacks, which killed 166. JuD is a UN&US-designated terrorist org.'
Last year, the US announced a multi-million dollar reward for anyone providing proof of Hafiz Saeed’s involvement in the Mumbai attacks. They offered a similar reward for another JuD leader Hafiz Abdul Rehman Makki.
Hafiz Saeed remains one of the most wanted men on the US terror list.
State Department spokesman Mark Toner told reporters: "While we have great respect, obviously, for the Islamic tradition of social assistance to those who are in need, no matter where they might be, this particular offer strikes us as very hollow."
Yesterday Hafiz Saeed said his organisation was ready to help Americans affected by the superstorm Sandy: "We are ready to send food items, medicines and doctors to the US for the people affected by the storm," Saeed said.
Saeed is suspected of involvement in the Mumbai bombings, which killed 166 in 2008.
He was placed under house arrest for six months after the attacks, but was freed in 2009 on the orders of the Lahore high court.
Despite the bounty on his head Saeed maintains a high public profile, holding meetings across Pakistan.
Pakistan has refused to take action against Saeed on the basis of material provided by India about his role in the Mumbai attacks.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments