Pakistan on Monday officially asked India for a progress report on investigations into the Samjhauta Express blasts, in which 42 Pakistanis were among those killed. The report was sought in the wake of news reports in the Indian media about jailed Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh leader, Swami Aseemanand, admitting to his role in the 2007 blasts.
The Acting Deputy High Commissioner of India, G.V. Srinivas, was called to the Foreign Office by Director-General (South Asia) Afrasiab and told that a response from New Delhi should be conveyed at the earliest.
According to a statement put out by the Foreign Office, Pakistan drew the Indian diplomat's attention to reports on the investigations into the blasts. “It was reiterated to him that the government of Pakistan was awaiting the progress made by the government of India in the investigations.”
Of late, Pakistan has been using the investigations into the blasts to counter criticism of delay on Islamabad's front in the Mumbai terror attack case. Peeved at India making the dialogue process hostage to the Mumbai terror case, Pakistan has time again accused New Delhi of raising a hue and cry on terrorism, while ignoring its own responsibilities.
