Pakistan

US expresses 'grave concern' over Lakhvi's release

Lakhvi was formally released from Adiala Jail on April 10

Web Desk April 13, 2015

PHOTO: AFP

The United States expressed 'grave concerns' over the release of alleged Mumbai attack mastermind Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, urging the country to bring the perpetrators of the 26/11 attacks to justice.

"We are gravely concerned about the release on bail of alleged Mumbai attack mastermind Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi," State Department Acting Spokesperson Jeff Rathke told reporters at his daily news conference.

Read: LHC orders Lakhvi's release

"We have communicated that concern to senior Pakistani officials over the course of many months, and as recently as yesterday," Rathke said.

Lakhvi was formally released from Adiala Jail after he submitted surety bonds of Rs2 million, following the Lahore High Court (LHC) verdict declaring his detention orders illegal.

Rathke further said that terrorist attacks are an assault on the collective safety and security of all countries.

"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 to ensure justice for the 166 innocent people, including six Americans, who lost their lives."

Read: Lakhvi freed from Adiala jail

When questioned about the "consequences or repercussions" for Pakistan for not following through its commitment as reflected in the release of Lakhvi, the acting spokesperson said the US government will look into the development and decide what consequences to draw from it.

COMMENTS (12)

observer | 9 years ago | Reply @Haider: @Abdullah: A. Agencies the world over recorded intercepts of conversation between the terrorists and their handlers. B. These intercepts have been provided to Pakistan by India and US. C. Kasab and Dawood Sayed Gilani a.k.a. David Headley have confirmed that the chief of the handlers was Lakhvi. D. The tapes are with Pakistan and so is Lakhvi. E. All Pakistan has to do is match the voice samples of Lakhvi with the intercepts. Elementary. Isn't it. Moderator ET- Is talking sensibly against your comment policy or what?

jamor | 9 years ago | Reply @Haider: Prior to his release,the prosecution was supposed to produce secret documents in court.They did not produce them and as a result he was granted bail.Why should US or India give proof,when the conspiracy was hatched in Pakistan and its Pakistan who should investigate and find proof provided they are willing.The Honda outboard motor was traced to a shop in Karachi from the serial number.Voices of the Pakistani handler in conversation with the terrorists were handed over to Pakistan.It would be simple matter for Pakistan to compare it with the voice of Lakhvi.He could be found innocent or guilty.The fact that it was not done proves that he was guilty.After all an innocent man would willingly submit to a voice analysis.Instead its India who is being asked to submit proof.We are being subjected to weird theories that India conducted the whole operation to defame Pakistan,.Kasab is a Hindu from Nepal.Reporter from UK and your own Geo TV proved that Kasab is a Pakistani.What did the Pakistani Govt do ,block access to Kasabs village and then spirited away his parents.The only conclusion that one can come to is that Pakistan is not sincere in bringing to justice the perpetrators of Mumbai attack

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Prada | 9 years ago | Reply Pakistan will pay a heavy price for letting a mass-murderer free. The international media has taken this up in a big way already and this will hurt Pak no end.

ajeet | 9 years ago | Reply No proof will be acceptable to Pakistan as it will hit the deep state if they show them in court.

iMTIAZ | 9 years ago | Reply Lakhvi release a terrible mistake.

woody | 9 years ago | Reply @N:

Pakistan also have grave concern regarding USA double standard policy against muslim countries

Where was Pakistan when the Serbs were slaughtering Muslims? Suggest you travel to Albania sometime and visit the monument they raised to honor George Bush.

Chris | 9 years ago | Reply @N: Nuclear country or country having nuclear bombs? first of all, choose the right words to express your agitation cause both have different meanings. Secondly, It would be wise for you to first open your eyes and puny brains, u sound like a blind militant, what good are those bombs? who can pakistan bomb? what will be the aftermath of pakistan if they use any of those on anyone? ask yourself these questions. You don't even have the balls to stop US when they openly drone attack within ur territory. Acting stronger doesn't make you strong, understand that first.

N | 9 years ago | Reply Pakistan also have grave concern regarding USA double standard policy against muslim countries USA should mind his own bussiness and should think twice while dictating Nuclear country like Pakistan

Iqbal | 9 years ago | Reply @Haider: @Abdullah: Strange that you are talking of proofs. Are you aware that Aisha Bibi is in jail on blasphemy charges? Is there proof that she committed blasphemy?

Arshad | 9 years ago | Reply Amazing !!! it only means USA has no confidence in Pakistan judicial system. It has full confidence in Modi, a declared killer off Gujarat Muslims for which he was denied entry in US and Western countries. They had no compunction when innocent man Afzal Guru was murdered by Indian judiciary for crime he did not commit, they had no compunction when Ajmal Kasab was sent to gallows for a crime in Bombay while he was in Nepal, they had no compunction when Col. Purohit remains unpunished for a massacre of Samjhauta Express passengers, they had no compunction when for the past 60 years Indian forces are trampling rough shod over the lives of Kashmiri freedom fighters. What can on say-that they are always right and Muslims are always wrong.

Haider | 9 years ago | Reply India and Us send us solid proofs so no ambiguity remains of Lakhvi being guilty...People cant be punished when there are doubts..

Abdullah | 9 years ago | Reply Un respected US, we are democratic country, we have our courts working on the issues. Provide proofs so that he can be detained else keep quite if you don't have one. A Pakistani.

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