Friday, July 10, 2009

* AG Latif Khosa says prosecution process was on track

ISLAMABAD: The trials of six men accused in the Mumbai attacks that killed 166 people will start soon, the attorney general (AG) of Pakistan said late on Wednesday.

AG Latif Khosa told reporters the prosecution process was on track, but defence lawyers complained they had not been given documents about the case or details of the evidence against the suspects.

Prosecute: “It is very important the Pakistan government move further and faster to prosecute those who were associated with (the Mumbai) attacks and punish them,” visiting British Foreign Secretary David Miliband said on Wednesday, adding that ties between the two nations would remain difficult until this was done. Ajmal Kasab is the only surviving attacker, who they said belonged to the Lashkar-e-Taiba.

Pakistan acknowledged in February that Kasab was a Pakistani. The same month, Interior Minister Rehman Malik announced the arrests of six men linked to Kasab. Khosa said the trials would start “soon”, but was unable to say when. India has handed over evidence, including recordings of calls the attackers allegedly made to Pakistan during the siege. Two of the defendants, Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi and Zarrar Shah, have been publicly accused by India of masterminding the attacks. Malik has said they would be charged with “abetting, conspiracy and facilitation” of a terrorist act. “I have applied to get the copy of the charges submitted by the police, but am still waiting,” said Shahzad Rajput, who is representing one of the men. “In fact, there is no evidence against my client. That is why the government is not showing any enthusiasm in this matter. I would say it is using delaying tactics.” ap