Jamaat-ud-Dawah says Hafiz Saeed discussed Indo-Pak issues with Ved Pratap Vaidik

LAHORE: Amidst the raging row over the meeting between an Indian scribe and the 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed, the Jamaat-ud-Dawah today came out with a statement claiming that the 2008 Mumbai attacks and the Narendra Modi government were among topics discussed.

JuD spokesperson Yahya Mujahid, who claim to be present at the interaction between Saeed and Ved Pratap Vaidik, said the meeting was set up at the request of the Indian journalist.

"They discussed how all 26/11 evidences provided by India have been rejected by the Pakistani courts, India should respect Pakistani courts on this issue, on the governance style of Indian Prime Minister Modi," Mujahid said.

Reacting to the uproar in Indian parliament over meeting of the Indian journalist with the JuD chief, the statement said it showed the "narrow-mindedness" of Indian politicians and media.

Vaidik had met JuD chief Saeed, wanted in India in Mumbai terror attacks case, on July 2.

In a statement issued to media today the JuD said: "We meet everyone with an open heart, whoever wants to meet, regardless of one's nation, belief or religion. Sadly, so-called secular India is unable to bear an informal meeting of senior journalist Mr Vaidik with Hafiz Saeed."

Mujahid said, "I was present in the meeting between Saeed and Vaidik."

He said it was not for the first time that any foreign journalist had approached Saeed for an interview and that it was Vaidik who had requested for the meeting.

Mujahid said, "Mr Vaidik asked if the JuD would protest during Modi's visit to Pakistan, Hafiz sahib replied his party does not believe in the politics of protests although it will present its point of view on the visit".