US expresses concern over presence of terrorists at Pakistan rally

WASHINGTON: The US has expressed its concern over the presence of terrorist leaders, including LeT founder Hafeez Saeed who have been slapped sanctions by the United Nations, at a public rally in Pakistan early this week.

In a statement, the US State Department reminded Pakistan of its obligation to uphold and implement the UN Security Council resolution in this regard.

Notably, Pakistan this January joined the UN Security Council as its non-permanent member for a two year term.

"The US government is concerned about the recent public appearances of Jamaat-ud-Dawa leader Hafiz Saeed, including at a recent rally in Karachi," the State Department said.

Lashkar-e-Taiba and its front group Jamaat-ud-Dawa is internationally sanctioned because of its associations with al-Qaeda, the State Department said.

"We have and continue to urge the Government of Pakistan to uphold its obligations in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 1267/1989," it said.

"That resolution calls for all countries to freeze assets of sanctioned groups, prevent the transfer of arms to them, and prevent sanctioned individuals from entering or transiting their territories," it added.