Pak blames India for insufficient evidence in Lakhvi case

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Foreign Office has responded to criticism from India on the release of Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, the mastermind behind the Mumbai attacks, by blaming India for some of the developments in the case.

Pakistan maintains that India has not given it evidence that would stand in a Pakistani court of law and help convict the JuD commander and his associates.

In response to a question regarding the remarks of the Indian spokesperson on the recent Lahore high court order setting aside the detention of Lakhvi, the spokesperson said the case of the Mumbai attack suspects was sub-judice.

“It would not be proper to cast aspersions on Pakistan’s commitment to countering terrorism at a time when Pakistan has entered a critical stage of defeating the menace of terrorism,” the spokesperson for foreign affairs ministry further said.

The spokesperson went on to say, “As I had mentioned earlier also, inordinate delay in extending cooperation by India complicated the case and weakened the prosecution. We respect the judicial process and are confident that it would serve the interest of justice.”

Meanwhile, minister of state for home affairs Kiren Rijiju said Lakhvi’s release exposed the “twin face” of Pakistan in dealing with terrorism.