Mumbai attacks: Commission to be in Mumbai on Sept 24
Judicial panel’s trip was delayed three times this month.
Judicial panel’s trip was delayed three times this month. PHOTO: AFP/FILE
NEW DELHI:
A judicial commission from Pakistan will arrive at the Wagah border on September 21 and proceed to Mumbai on September 24 to question witnesses in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks case.
Those who will be questioned by the commission include the city magistrate, who had recorded the confession of the lone surviving terrorist Ajmal Kasab, the chief investigating officer and two doctors who conducted the autopsies of the nine terrorists killed by security forces during the November 26, 2008 attacks.
This will be the commission’s second visit – the first report submitted was rejected by the Pakistani Anti-Terrorism Court because the panel members were not allowed to cross-examine the witnesses.
The panel’s visit, which was earlier delayed on account of the killing of a public prosecutor, has been delayed three times this month. While India had given a date for early September, the team could not leave due to the cancellation of the PIA flight.
The next date fixed was September 7, which was again cancelled due to non-availability of flight. The team was then scheduled to arrive on September 11, but the visit was postponed again due to the 10-day Ganpati religious festival in India.
The eight-member commission includes two officers from the Pakistani ATC, as well as witnesses and a new special public prosecutor.
Separately, the Pakistan Water Commission for Indus will also be visiting India for four days from Saturday to discuss India’s four hydropower projects on the River Chenab.
Mirza Asif Baig, who is heading the team, told the media that design issues of the four projects, including those related to spillway, intake and pondage, will be discussed.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 21st, 2013.
A judicial commission from Pakistan will arrive at the Wagah border on September 21 and proceed to Mumbai on September 24 to question witnesses in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks case.
Those who will be questioned by the commission include the city magistrate, who had recorded the confession of the lone surviving terrorist Ajmal Kasab, the chief investigating officer and two doctors who conducted the autopsies of the nine terrorists killed by security forces during the November 26, 2008 attacks.
This will be the commission’s second visit – the first report submitted was rejected by the Pakistani Anti-Terrorism Court because the panel members were not allowed to cross-examine the witnesses.
The panel’s visit, which was earlier delayed on account of the killing of a public prosecutor, has been delayed three times this month. While India had given a date for early September, the team could not leave due to the cancellation of the PIA flight.
The next date fixed was September 7, which was again cancelled due to non-availability of flight. The team was then scheduled to arrive on September 11, but the visit was postponed again due to the 10-day Ganpati religious festival in India.
The eight-member commission includes two officers from the Pakistani ATC, as well as witnesses and a new special public prosecutor.
Separately, the Pakistan Water Commission for Indus will also be visiting India for four days from Saturday to discuss India’s four hydropower projects on the River Chenab.
Mirza Asif Baig, who is heading the team, told the media that design issues of the four projects, including those related to spillway, intake and pondage, will be discussed.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 21st, 2013.