International News: In a statement that could stir fresh debate on India-Pakistan relations, former Pakistani Foreign Minister and PPP leader Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has said that his country is open to handing over high-profile terrorists like Hafiz Saeed and Masood Azhar—but only if India follows the proper legal process and provides credible evidence in court.
Speaking in an interview with Al Jazeera, Bhutto made it clear that Pakistan has "never been a proponent of war or cutting off dialogue." Instead, he accused India of adopting an aggressive stance, saying, “Pakistan only responds when provoked.”
“No Objection—But There’s a Process”
Bhutto emphasized that Pakistan has no fundamental objection to extraditing individuals India sees as threats, such as the heads of Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed. However, he stressed that this must happen through established legal procedures.
“If India is truly concerned about certain individuals, it must present admissible evidence in Pakistani courts. Witnesses must come forward, testify in court, and allow for cross-examination. Only then can we consider extradition,” he said.
“India Isn’t Respecting the Legal Framework”
Taking a swipe at New Delhi, Bhutto claimed that India itself is obstructing the process. “How do you expect us to hand someone over without proof or testimony? India often throws around accusations, but when it comes to legal cooperation, they back away,” he said.
“No Information on Masood Azhar — But We’ll Act If Proven”
When asked specifically about Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar — accused of masterminding several terror attacks in India — Bhutto said Pakistan’s government has no knowledge of his whereabouts. However, he added, “If India can provide credible, verifiable evidence that Azhar is indeed in Pakistan, we will take action and arrest him.”
India has long accused Pakistan of sheltering Azhar, linking him to the 2001 Indian Parliament attack, the 2016 Pathankot airbase attack, and the 2019 Pulwama suicide bombing. Pakistan has consistently denied these allegations.
Hafiz Saeed and Masood Azhar: India’s Most Wanted
Hafiz Saeed, believed to be the mastermind of the 2008 Mumbai attacks that killed 166 people, remains one of India’s top fugitives. Both India and the U.S. have placed multi-million-dollar bounties on him. Masood Azhar, similarly, has been at the center of several major terrorist incidents.
India has repeatedly demanded the extradition of both men so they can face trial on Indian soil.
A Diplomatic Gesture or Tactical Move?
Bilawal Bhutto’s remarks come at a time when India-Pakistan ties remain strained and formal dialogue is at a standstill. While India has not officially responded to his statement, political observers believe this could be Pakistan’s attempt to send a signal — especially amid growing pressure from international watchdogs like the FATF (Financial Action Task Force).
Whether India chooses to engage through legal channels or dismisses this as political posturing remains to be seen. But one thing is clear—Bilawal’s comments may have just opened a new chapter, or at least a new conversation, in the long and uneasy story of India-Pakistan relations.
