Masood Azhar in Pak, really unwell: Qureshi

Islamabad, Mar 1: Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has admitted that Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar is in Pakistan and is “unwell”, but said the government can act against him only if India presents “solid” and “inalienable” evidence that can stand in a court of law.
Qureshi’s remarks came amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan after the February 14 terror attack by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) in Pulwama that left over 40 CRPF personnel dead.
“He is in Pakistan, according to my information. He is unwell to the extent that he can’t leave his house, because he’s really unwell,” Qureshi told CNN when asked about Azhar.
Azhar is the chief of JeM that claimed responsibility for the February 14 Pulwama attack in which over 40 CRPF personnel were killed.
India has been repeatedly trying to list him as a “global terrorist” by the UN. However, China, an ally of Pakistan, has blocked India’s efforts by using veto.
Qureshi also said that Pakistan will take action against him if presented with “evidence that can stand in a court of law”.
“If they have solid, inalienable evidence that is acceptable to courts of Pakistan, share it with us so that we can convince the people and we can convince the independent judiciary of Pakistan,” Qureshi said.
“We need to satisfy the legal process,” he said.
Qureshi also added that the release of captured IAF pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman is a “peace gesture” and must be seen as Pakistan’s “willingness to de-escalate”.
Varthaman, who in Pakistan’s custody since Wednesday was released at the Wagah border on Friday.