Days after terrorist Hafiz Saeed was arrested, the United States on Friday expressed doubts on Pakistan's intentions saying his earlier arrests made no difference. Saeed, who planned the 2001 Parliament attack and the dastardly 26/11 Mumbai attacks, was nabbed on Wednesday, July 17. Earlier this month, Pakistan had booked him and 12 of his accomplices, for terror financing. Here are more details.

Arrests Saeed, arrested six times earlier, was released easily

This is the seventh time Saeed has been arrested since 2001, his first arrest being immediately after the Parliament attack. But Pakistan administration let him go easy and he continued with his terrorist activities. Hence, it doesn't come as a surprise that the US and India, both, have doubts on Pakistan's sincerity. An official of Donald Trump administration said they expect concrete steps.

Quote Want more than 'window dressing', said official

"We've seen this happen in the past. And we have been looking for sustained and concrete steps, not just window dressing," the official told media, giving a clear message to Pakistan. Notably, Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan is due to visit the US next week.

Action Official clarified the US is looking for concrete action

When the official was asked if the US is convinced with Pakistan's actions against terror groups, he replied, "We're under no illusions about the support that we could see from Pakistan's military intelligence services to these groups. So we will look for concrete action." He added Pakistan has pledged to take some initial action like seizing assets of these groups.

Quote Considering Pakistan's past, official said situation is being monitored

"Quite frankly, the previous arrest of Saeed hasn't made a difference and the LeT has been able to operate. So we're monitoring the situation. We do have concerns about links between these groups and Pakistan intelligence services in the military. That's no secret," the official added.

Tweet Earlier, Trump claimed Pakistan arrested Saeed due to US' pressure

As reports of Saeed's arrest surfaced, Trump put out a tweet claiming the action was taken due to the pressure of the US. "After a ten-year search, the so-called "mastermind" of the Mumbai terror attacks has been arrested in Pakistan. Great pressure has been exerted over the last two years to find him!" Trump tweeted, only to be corrected by everyone.

Response Correcting Trump, former Pakistani official said Saeed operated freely

Meanwhile, former Pakistan Ambassador to the US, Husain Haqqani wrote finding Saeed was never a problem. "He operated freely and was highly visible. He has been arrested and released many times over. The president should immediately fire whoever gave him the wrong information," Haqqani said. He also underscored that Saeed had been arrested several times before US-Pakistan talks but released soon after.

Twitter Post Meanwhile, powerful House Foreign Affairs Committee also criticized Trump

FYI Pakistan wasn't searching for him for 10 years. He’s been living freely, and was arrested and released in:

December 2001

May 2002

October 2002

August 2006 (twice)

December 2008

September 2009

January 2017



Let’s hold the 👏 until he’s convicted. https://t.co/qMtD7wgSp9 — House Foreign Affairs Committee (@HouseForeign) July 17, 2019

India's stand Unsurprisingly, India is also fed up with Pakistan's 'cosmetic exercise'