Thaindian News

Islamabad, May 7 (IANS) Pakistan has distanced itself from gunman Mohammed Ajmal Amir Kasab, sentenced to death over the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, but has called for the perpetrators of the siege to be brought to justice.
The 23-year-old Kasab was given the death sentence on four counts of murder, waging war against India and conspiracy and terrorism offences.

“We would appreciate that our legal experts need to go through the detailed judgement,” Pakistani foreign ministry spokesman Abdul Basit was quoted as saying Thursday by Dawn.

“Pakistan has strongly condemned the horrific Mumbai attack. It is important that culprits are brought to justice,” he said.

On being asked whether Pakistan would provide legal assistance to the lone gunman captured alive among 10 Pakistanis, or to a Pakistani-American charged with terrorism in the US over a failed New York bomb attack, Basit said distinctions needed to be made.

“It is incumbent upon the government of Pakistan to provide whatever assistance possible to all its nationals abroad.

“Having said that, we need to draw a distinction as to where the assistance is required and where it is not,” he said.

Pakistan has said it will consult India on when to meet with a view towards resuming the peace process, which New Delhi suspended after the Mumbai attacks.

The prime ministers of both countries agreed to work towards resuming the frozen peace dialogue during their first direct talks in nine months, on the sidelines of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) summit in Bhutan.