| Submit your comments on this article |
| India-Pakistan |
| Pakistan: Govt seeks more evidence for Mumbai probe |
| 2009-02-11 |
| (AKI) - Pakistan said on Monday it will ask India for more information soon to enable investigators to complete a probe into the terror attacks that struck Mumbai in November. New Delhi blamed the Mumbai attacks on the banned Pakistan-based militant group Lashkar-e-Toiba. LeT, which is active in Indian-ruled Kashmir, has denied any involvement . "In order to complete the investigation the questions which are arising from the inquiry carried out by the FIA (Federal Investigation Agency) need to be answered by the Indian authorities," said a statement issued after a cabinet meeting chaired by prime minister Yousuf Raza Gillani. "These will be communicated to the Indian authorities shortly," the statement added. "Without substantial evidence from India it will be exceedingly difficult to complete the investigation and proceed with the case," the statement said. Top Pakistani army officials also attended the meeting. India and Pakistan have each blamed the other for the November assault on India's financial capital, when 10 gunmen killed 173 people during a 60-hour siege. The attacks sharply escalated tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours and put on hold peace talks over the disputed territory of Kashmir. India last Thursday for the first time directly accused Pakistan's military intelligence agency of involvement in the Mumbai attacks. Pakistan rejected the claim accusing India of contributing to a "a global smear campaign" against it. Gillani's government also denied that information from New Delhi in January linking the Mumbai attacks to 'elements' in Pakistan constituted proof. Gillani has said that anyone found guilty in Pakistan over the Mumbai attacks will not be extradited but will be punished under Pakistani law. US special envoy for Afghanistan and Pakistan, Richard Holbrooke, arrived in Islamabad on Monday for meetings with senior Pakistani government officials, military leaders, business and civil society leaders. "I am here to listen and learn the ground realities of this critically important country," Holbrooke said. "The United States looks forward to reviewing our policies and renewing our commitment and friendship with the people of Pakistan." It is Holbrooke's first visit to Pakistan since US president Barack Obama appointed him special representative last month. |
| Posted by:Fred |