Pakistan’s High Commissioner to India Abdul Basit told reporters in India on Monday that New Delhi should “not jump the gun” as the case related to Mumbai attack’s alleged mastermind Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi is “sub-judice”, the Press Trust of India reported.
India had expressed anger earlier this month after the Islamabad High Court ordered Lakhvi’s release and declared his detention illegal, although he was later detained again for 30 days.
“The case is sub-judice. So let’s wait. Better not jump the gun,” Pakistani High Commissioner Abdul Basit told reporters in New Delhi.
When asked about Union Minister of State for External Affairs VK Singh’s controversial tweets, Basit declined to comment.
“No comments. He was our chief guest,” Basit said.
Shortly after representing the Indian government at Pakistan Day reception held at the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi, Indian Minister of State for External Affairs VK Singh tweeted with the hashtag ‘Disgusted’, hinting that he might have been unhappy at being deputed to it.
At an industry chamber function, Basit said that India’s economic growth will help the entire SAARC region.
“We in South Asia do believe that India does have a wherewithal and resolve to step to the plate and ensure that it achieves its economic goals because if India rises we are confident the entire region will rise with India,” the Pakistani high commissioner said. Basit added that it is important to create a level playing field and inter-dependencies among the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) nations.
“We need to be more realistic in our perspectives because without promoting regional integration, one does not know as to how one would become part of the global supply chain,” Basit said.
“We are looking forward to work together to lift our people from the morass of poverty, illiteracy and disease because these are common challenges and common objectives,” the high commissioner added.
“So we are looking forward to work hand in hand with other SAARC member countries to achieve our shared objectives.”
