Pakistan promised to bring perpetrators of Mumbai attack to justice, says US

On Friday, Islamabad High Court suspended the detention order of Lakhvi and ordered his release

WASHINGTON DC: The United States on Friday asked Pakistan to implement its commitment to bring the perpetrators of the 2008 Mumbai attacks to justice after Islamabad High Court ordered the release of Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi. 

"The government of Pakistan has pledged its cooperation in bringing the perpetrators -- financiers, and sponsors of the Mumbai terrorist attacks to justice and we urge Pakistan to follow through on that commitment," the State Department Spokesperson, Jen Psaki, told reporters.

Related: Mumbai attacks 'mastermind': IHC declares Lakhvi's detention illegal

"We are monitoring reports that an Islamabad high court judge suspended detention orders for the alleged Mumbai attack mastermind," she said.

"For now he remains in prison," Psaki said.

Related: Mumbai attacks 'mastermind': Lakhvi lives a life of 'luxury' in Adiala jail

"Pakistan is a critical partner in a fight against terrorism. We've certainly seen these reports (of a court granting bail to Lakhvi), but we can't speculate on the outcome of an ongoing legal process."

On Friday, Islamabad High Court declare the detention order of Lakhvi and ordered his release.

An "outraged" India summoned the Pakistan High Commissioner in New Delhi to lodge a strong protest against the court order to release Lakhvi and said freeing him will pose a threat which "cannot be ignored".

This article originally appeared in the Press Trust of India.