Pakistan Minister Malik assures perpetrators of terror at any place would be brought to justice

ISLAMABAD - Pakistan Interior Minister Rehman Malik on Friday said that Pakistan condemns terrorism irrespective of which part of the world it exists and perpetrators of terror attacks, including the ones behind the Mumbai terror attack, should be brought to justice.

Talking to mediapersons here, Rehman Malik said: “Terrorism may be in any part of the world ; may it be in Pakistan or in India, Pakistan condemns such act. We are the victims of terrorism. We are feeling it every day.”
“The perpetrators of not only Bombay blast but all terror attacks in the world should be brought to justice,” he added.

Malik assured India of making all efforts to ensure that perpetrators behind Mumbai terror attacks are punished.

“I would like to assure Indian friends that, we will not leave any stone unturned in order to punish them as per the evidences we gathered against them,” he said.

Rehman Malik said that Pakistan has collected some credible evidence during the course of its investigation which would shared with the Indian Home Minister.

“During the period of investigations we have gathered credible evidences, we will share it with Mr. Chidambaram. We will not hold anything ; we have no love lost for terrorists,” said Malik.

He stressed on the need for India and Pakistan to work together towards ensuring good relations with each other, as it influenced the security of a region affected by terrorism.

“And I think world as a whole and, in this region, India and Pakistan can play much better role. As the security of this region largely depends on relation between India and Pakistan, and of course, I will include Afghanistan. Because these are the three countries which are victims of terrorism,” said Malik.

“Both countries should work together and that is the need of the time,” he added.

Malik, however, indicated that bringing the perpetrators or persons behind the Mumbai terror attacks may take time.

“They (terrorists) approached every court of Pakistan. But they did not get bail. I can tell you that the investigators have done a very good job. I will share details with Mr Chidambaram. The investigation of terrorists of course will take time, as they planned it for years together.”

“Only thing I can assure you is that we are not going to hold anything. Whatever is there with us, we will share with them,” he said.

“Those who have been convicted here there is abetment and conspiracy. The main case is in India and you have seen that it was easier to convict Kasab,” said Malik and added: “Here we are dealing with conspiracy and abetment. We have difficulties in law and prosecution here, which I am sharing with Mr. Chidambaram.”

“The FIR which was registered on the basis of main accused’ s statement given before a magistrate in India, according to that, Kasab has to be in Pakistan, but we understand the problem and issues,” he said.

Malik also said that the Indian judge, who recorded Kasab in Mumbai, testifying in Pakistan could make a difference to the case.

“What we found a way forward is under the direction of the court. The magistrate, who recorded Kasab’s statement, if he comes just for a day and testifies those statements that will make the difference.”

“Issues are there; they are going to be resolved and a court process is already there,” he said.

Malik sought everyone’s confidence in Pakistani judicial system similar to what Indian judicial system enjoys. He said: “Only request is let us trust our courts. When the statement or judgement comes from India, we welcome . And our courts are transparent, they are doing the needful. There were certain legal issues which have been resolved. Hopefully this will go on fast.” By Smita Prakash(ANI)