Thaindian News

Islamabad, June 10 (IANS) Pakistani Interior Minister Rehman Malik has said seven suspects involved in the 2008 Mumbai attack would “not be spared”, and the country was “very serious” about the trial of those involved in the gruesome strike.

“I assure you that, under our laws these culprits will not be spared. They will be brought to justice because we mean business and we will not allow Pakistani soil to be used by any terrorist,” the Daily Times quoted Malik as saying.

“As far as apprehending those responsible for the attacks is concerned, seven accused are in jail and their trial is being conducted properly. We have put it on fast track,” he said.

A total of 166 people were killed in the attack on Mumbai by 10 Pakistani terrorists Nov 26-28, 2008.

Malik, however, said any delay in the proceedings was due to India’s “failure” to decide on a request to allow a Pakistani judicial commission to interview key officials there.

“The delay in the trial is not on our part. We had demanded for a judicial commission to visit India. Our interior secretary met their home secretary and we spoke of our request. We hope India will respond to that,” he said.

Malik asked India to provide more evidence to enable Pakistan to act against other suspects.

Regarding a suspect, identified only as Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) officer “Major Iqbal”, Malik said: “Believe me, I don’t have an Aladdin’s lamp that someone says and I would apprehend Major Iqbal. It is a generic name.”

The minister said the two countries should jointly think about taking action against terrorists.

“I have given clear indications that the Taliban want to extend their reach to the whole region. They have made their bases in India. We have given them (India) some indications,” he said.