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Gillani rules out extradition of suspects in Mumbai attacks
 (AKI/Dawn) - Pakistan's Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani has ruled out handing over any person to any country in connection with the Mumbai carnage. He said that Pakistan was carrying out is own investigation and if any Pakistani was found involved, the government would take action against him in accordance with the law.The prime minister was addressing a public gathering after inaugurating a cadet college in Sangi, located in Pakistan's Sindh province. "We will not be intimidated by any foreign pressure since our hands are clean. We have our own laws and we will not allow our land to be used for terrorist activities," Gillani said. He accused the Indian government of issuing irresponsible statements which, he said, were fanning tension. Gillani added that Pakistan had always behaved with utmost responsibility and the entire world appreciated it, especially its role in the war on terror. He said the government, the armed forces and people were united and nobody could dare to "cast an evil eye upon the country". However, the Pakistani government said last Wednesday that Ajmal Amir Qasab, the only surviving gunman from November's deadly Mumbai terrorist attacks, is a Pakistani citizen. The announcement heralded a major clampdown on the outlawed Kashmiri separatist group, Lashkar-e-Toiba, which India has blamed for the attacks. He said Pakistan was a peace-loving country and "we are against war but if a war is imposed on us, our armed forces are fully capable of defending the country". Referring to the economic situation, the prime minister said the government was trying to steer the country out of crisis. He also said the system faced no threat and the government would complete its term. Gilani also said that late Benazir Bhutto had struggled all her life for restoration of genuine democracy and for the rule of law and the government was following in her footsteps. India has blamed Pakistani militants for the November attacks in Mumbai that killed 179 people. The attacks,which targeted two luxury hotels and a Jewish centre, were carried out by 10 gunmen allegedly linked to Lashkar-e-Toiba. Posted by: Fred 2009-01-13 |
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