Mere leads, not sufficient evidence provided by India against Saeed: Pak

Islamabad, Apr.25 (ANI): Despite India providing extensive evidence regarding the Jamaat-ud-Daawa (JuD) chief Hafeez Mohammed Saeed’s direct involvement in the November 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, Pakistan continues to blame New Delhi for not furnishing enough details against the 26/11 mastermind.

Talking to media persons following his meeting with Indian High Commissioner Sharat Sabharwal, Interior Minister Rehman Malik said: “India has only provided leads against him (Saeed) and not sufficient evidences.”

He said Pakistan has taken stern action against Saeed and his organisation, the JuD, and sealed its offices and bank accounts.

JuD’s website and various publications have also been banned, he added.

Malik said authorities are keeping a close vigil on the JuD, the front face of the banned terror outfit the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), but added that action can not be taken unless there is evidence about its involvement in questionable activities.

Malik said Islamabad has promptly replied to all dossiers sent by New Delhi and would be handing over another reply regarding the Mumbai carnage probe on Monday.

He also asked India to give access to Ajmal Amir Kasab, the lone surviving Mumbai gunman, to facilitate the trial of seven terrorists arrested in Pakistan in connection with the Mumbai attacks.

“Kasab’s statement is of paramount importance in the Mumbai attack case… it is an important document for the court and we need it,” The Daily Times quoted Malik, as saying.

According to sources privy to the meeting between Malik and Sabharwal, the Interior Minister stressed that Kasab should be extradited to Pakistan after his trial in India is over, as his statement would prove to be of great importance in the prosecution of the seven suspects, including Lashkar-e-Taiba’s (LeT) operations commander Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi.

It may be noted that the special Mumbai court is scheduled to give its final verdict against Kasab on May 3. (ANI)