India responsible for Lakhvi's release: FO

Delay in extending cooperation by India complicated the case and weakened the prosecution, says spokesperson

ISLAMABAD: The Foreign Office responded to criticism from India pertaining to the recent release of Zakiur Rehman and attributed blame on India for recent developments in the case, a press release revealed.

In response to a question regarding the remarks of the Indian spokesperson on the recent Lahore High Court order setting aside the detention of Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, the spokesperson said that the case of the Mumbai attack suspects was subjudice.

"It would not be proper to cast aspertions on Pakistan’s commitment to countering terrorism at a time when Pakistan has entered a critical stage of defeating the menace of terrorism," the spokesperson for foreign affairs ministry said.

Read:India slams Lakhvi release as 'insult' to Mumbai attack victim

The spokesperson went on to say "as I had mentioned earlier also, inordinate delay in extending cooperation by India complicated the case and weakened the prosecution. We respect the judicial process and are confident that it would serve the interest of justice."

The alleged mastermind of the Mumbai attacks in 2008 was released after being in detention for over five years. The government failed to produce any evidence against him, whereby he was released on April 10.

Read: Lakhvi freed from Adiala Jail

His detention has elevated tensions between India and Pakistan as Modi showed resentment in a recent meeting with French President Francois Hollande, during which he gave a veiled message to Pakistan that rather than remaining true to the commitment and punishing terrorists, it is providing shelter to them.

Meanwhile, according to the Indian media, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh terming the development ‘unfortunate’ said the Indian government was ‘disappointed’ over Lakhvi's release.