Homeland Security

Pakistani PM: Indian accusations unhelpful to Mumbai investigations

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Islamabad, Jan 7, IRNA -- Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said that accusations from his Indian counterpart are not helpful for investigation of Mumbai attacks and will only increase tension.

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said that the November's attack on Mumbai must have had support from some official agencies in Pakistan. Mr Singh also accused Pakistan of "whipping up war hysteria".

"Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, instead of reciprocating Pakistan's sincere sentiments to move forward towards establishing good, cooperative and friendly relations, has given a statement while addressing a meeting of Chief Ministers raising serious allegations in connection with Mumbai attacks which is most unfortunate," Gilani said in a statement.

Gilani said that India has not only refused to cooperate in the investigations pertaining to Mumbai but has chosen to undertake a media and diplomatic offensive against Pakistan.

"It is clearly unhelpful to any serious and objective investigations and amounts to unnecessarily whipping up tensions in South Asia," the Pakistani Prime Minister said.

He said since November 26, Pakistan had not only made constructive proposals for mutual cooperation but also initiated actions and investigations on its own. "We are convinced that the only effective way of dealing with the common challenge of terrorism is to develop robust cooperation encompassing all relevant departments".

Gilani said that Pakistan's own investigations into Mumbai have progressed. "We have received some information of an interim nature on Indian investigations".

He said Pakistan is prepared to take this process forward with a view to uncovering full facts thus ensuring that the perpetrators of this heinous crime whoever they may be are brought to justice.

"I wish to once again reiterate Pakistan's earnest desire to work towards building friendly and cooperative relations with India".

Gilani said he is hopeful that the Indian Prime Minister will act with a great sense of responsibility in the larger interest of peace, security and prosperity of the peoples of South Asia.